Home truths

Bronze ballerina and phone boxes, Covent Garden, London.

You may have noticed that lately I've been a bit quiet on the blogging front. That's due to a combination of travel, work and particularly, health issues. I was born with a hole in my heart, although it was detected only four years ago. Since then, I've been made aware of the importance of remaining vigilant, particularly as heart disease is the single biggest threat to women's health.

Turning 50, unwittingly I joined a high-risk group. Not only do I have a hole in my heart - and therefore more susceptible to migraine, stroke and blood clots - there's a family history of heart disease.  As one Western doctor noted, "Genetics load the gun; lifestyle pulls the trigger."

At the moment I take no medication, only vitamins. But my body is changing; I can no longer eat or drink anything I want and shrug it off. I have to walk and exercise nearly every day to see any effects. I need less stress and more sleep; rarely do I achieve either. 

If I have any dental work done, I must take antibiotics an hour before, due to the risk of infection to the lining of my heart. The key to managing the situation with my heart - just as with any health issue - is awareness. Occasionally, warning signs suggest something is off-balance. Consequently, this week I'm undergoing numerous cardiology tests; the most-extensive ones on Thursday. I am lucky to have good cardiologists and specialist medical attention, as well as excellent health insurance. I shudder to think of the financial costs of such care in the US.

I'm writing about dealing with my heart problem, not to garner sympathy, but to encourage you to see your doctor and get regular medical check-ups. Cardiovascular disease is a silent, stealth killer, responsible for one in four women's deaths. In Europe, 55 percent of women die of heart disease. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than breast cancer, cervical cancer or any other serious illness.

Learn to recognise the warning signs of heart attack or stroke. But see your doctor regularly; don't wait for warning signs. The American Heart Association and the British Heart Foundation have information online about education, treatment and care.

Comments

[kathryn]

Hi Tara, Sorry havnt bn in touch lately, but have bn goin through my own type of heart probs, so understand how ure feeling. Ime being tested fr Marfans Syndrom, along with my 3 half brothers. Its genetic, and its why most of my dads side of the family die early[50 to 60 yrs]. Hope youre ok. Love,love,love, ALL youre latest photographs, they are WONDERFUL. tAKE CARE BABE. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[Motor show coverages]

Thanks for spreading such a useful informtion!Hope it will help many people!And wish that you must have a healthy life!Take care tara!

[JanePoet ~ JP/deb]

An important reminder, dear Tara. Have falling off the dieting wagon the past two weeks, but I've been cooking all day and we're back on our vegan regime tomorrow. Looking forward to feeling healthier again and giving my body the good stuff.

[Di]

Good luck xx

[Paris Parfait]

Thank you all for your lovely, supportive comments. Much appreciated! Hope you are encouraged to seek regular medical checkups and pay attention to your own health. All too often, we are so busy looking after others, we neglect our own care. Thanks again!

[rochambeau]

Dear Tara,
Thank you for sharing your experience here. What you said about having information is key!! I'm sorry to hear what you are going through right now and will be praying and thinking good thoughts for you and your compassionate heart.

Love,
Constance

[Satish Goda]

Hello Tara.

Take care of yourself and thank you for spreading awareness. God Bless You.

Greetings from India,
Satish Goda.

http://sites.google.com/site/satishgoda/

[Michelle Fry]

Best wishes to you and thank you for posting this. I have Mitral Valve Prolapse which is less serious than your condition but like you said genetics loads the gun. Unfortunately my mother has this rare heart/lung disease: Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. Women need to dialogue about heart health. We need to be our own advocates for health and for health care.

[dutchbaby]

Thank you for this post. We all need a reminder to take care of ourselves.

I am sorry to hear about your health challenges but heartened (pl. excuse the expression) to hear that you are putting your heart and soul (o gosh, there I go again) into living a healthy lifestyle. Not just good for the heart but also the soul.

I think I'll go for a brisk walk now.

[Crafty Green poet]

Thanks for the reminder. I was born with a hole in my heart too, but mine was detected while I was around 9 and patched up back then. Sorry you're having problems with yours now...

[gillian]

I simply MUST write again to say...thinking of you and hoping you are doing well.
Life throws us so many balls it is unreal...the stress levels we manage are not healthy. I hope you are at home taking care of yourself and putting your health and happiness first.
I am worried about you. Not in a pitying way, but a caring way. You matter, Ms. Bradford. You SO matter. In my non-eloquent way I hope you understand. xoxoxo

[Merisi]

Thank you and my best wishes to you!

[barabara carlson]

So glad to hear you are taking measures. Knowledge is power. I wish you all the best.

BTW, did you know 62% of all bankruptcies in the United States were health failure related?
Makes ya think.
My husband & I are now citizens in Canada and so thankful for the benefits.
His one major and 2 minor operations were free, pretty much.
My family is in Calif. where the story is sadly different and inexplicably -- so far --
unsolvable. You would think it is the Christian thing to do...but the Christists are agin' it.

[Gypsy Purple-Chamara]

Tara...I can so relate to you...I am also undergoing loads of tests and treatments now...same age, same situation....I will have you in my thoughts as well...I agree...it is so important to see your doctor and take care of yourself...take care...Chamara

[christina]

Thank you for spreading the word.
I go through, all the regular check ups and exams,
as an example for my children to do the same.
Take it easy. I am sending you prayers.
I love ya!

[gracey]

Dear Tara,

I have a friend who had a hole in her heart and i can imagine the pain you're going through. Nevertheless, i admire your strength, courage and strong faith. My friend has undergone a medical operation and she is well and healthy now. So in God's faith and with complete medical care you mentioned, surely you'll be well.

Thanks for this encouraging post. It's your stillness amidst uncertainties that gives smile to everyone. I'm also undergoing some medical treatment right now, and it's such a calm to read your blog.

get well soon and Godbless you always!

hug,
gracey

[RD]

I'm hearing of this from more and more women recently. I will be thinking of you, Tara, and hoping for reassuring news after your tests tomorrow. Thanks for reminding us to be aware because sometimes as primary caretakers we women take care of ourselves last. The 55% statistic you shared is staggering!

[Marilyn]

Tara,
Thanks for the encouragement to be diligent on our health. Take care and especially take care of your self.
I had my annual check up after returning home and had several tests today with more to come. The mammogram is next week. I am having to change my diet and exercise program too.
I will be thinking of you tomorrow.
Love,
Marilyn

[Stephanie]

Such good information here...I read that it is easy to miss signs of heart problems in women. I am happy that you are taking it easy and taking care of yourself.

continue to do so and feel well.

x..x
steph

[Chris]

Thank you for this. This is something we should talk about more. I know I am at risk, and it's lifestyle risk. At 53, I can no longer assume everything's going to pass me by.

I'm glad you have good insurance. Also, that you are smart, aware, diligent. Looking forward to years and years of reading your blog.

[judith]

Many thanks for your gentle reminder .. .
I do hope your test go well this week.
You are, indeed, very fortunate to be in good
hands in France - NOT getting caught in the
US system!

[MAWB]

I'm glad you are taking care of yourself! And encouraging others to do the same. My brother-in-law has the same condition and he's almost 70 now! You can lead a long, healthy life. Beautiful photos, once again!

[Yoli]

Thank you for sharing and bringin this to light. My daughter has Tetralogy of Fallot and my son has a VSD. Monotoring is essential every year. Otherwise they are doing very well. High blood pressure is the deadliest of all and the most silent. I hope everyone reading this will take the time to have a check up. We get so busy with our daily lives that we disregard ourselves. We want you around for long time dear Tara so please take care.

[elsie]

Here's to tests that result in a clean bill of health - it's lovely of you to share with us out of love and concern for our wellbeing - namaste, elsie

[Gillian]

Tara this is such a great thing to share. How many women have had symptoms they ignore? Stress, jobs, family-all factors in our busy lives may have encouraged us to write off symptoms as incidental, or not worth checking into.

Heart health is a major issue that needs more attention. I don't know how your health care system works in France, but to all Canadian women I would recommend they take advantage of what is offered to them and to go get regular checkups and physicals.

I'm glad to hear you have backed off some of your things and are taking care of yourself. There is only one Tara Bradford!!! :)
xxoo love you!

[ally bean]

I didn't know any of the info you provided here, so I thank you for the head's up. I'm glad that you know what to do now that you know what is wrong. Still, it must be a weird thing to know about your insides.

For what it's worth, there may be a hole in your physical heart, but I think that your spiritual heart is intact-- and that counts for alot.

[Rebecca]

Living in Paris is a bit like a double edged sword for you. I'd guess you ordinarily get more exercise than you would living in the States, that just seems like a part of the European lifestyle. On the other hand, the FOOOOOD must be such a temptation.

In any case, best of luck, especially tomorrow. I hope everything turns out wonderfully for you.

[pam aries]

I hate to hear that you are having health problems..! Please tke care of yourself. THank you for this post. It hit home on several points for me. Last night I dreamed I was dyng of a rare disease! Geesh!