heart month

February is Heart Month!

This is a special post, we are diving into all things Heart Month and taking a closer Look at my two Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)!!

Heart Month holds a very special place in my heart (pun not intended). It is such a good chance to talk, educate and share about all facets of heart health and bring a better understanding to topics often left undiscussed.

The month long dedicated campaign strives to bring awareness and education to heart health, cardiovascular disease and and the warning signs of heart emergencies.

For me personally, I use it as an opportunity to talk all thing CHD (Congenital Heart Defects)

and more specifically Coarctation of the Aorta and Bicuspid Aortic valve.

Coarctation of the Aorta is a narrowing in the Aorta, sort of like a kink in a hose, it stops effective blood flow. The Aorta is the biggest artery in the body sending oxygenated blood from the heart out into the rest of the body. So, if it is not flowing effectively, we can all see why thats an issue. When it is narrow your body will actually have a blood pressure discrepency: high blood pressure in the upper extemities and low blood pressure in the lower extremities. This occurs because the coarac restricts blood flow to the lower extremities and increses pressure in the vessels leading to the arms, head and neck.

My surgeon told me that my body had done something he hadn't really seen before and created new pathways around the narrowing allowing blood to flow.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve is where the aortic valve has two leaflets instead if three. The way it was deascribed to me is that a normal aortic valve looks like an upside down Mercedes Benz symbol and a bicuspid only has an upsode down V. While it may cause problems such as leaking or en enlarged Aorta and potentially need replacing down the track, as of right now I am monitored regularly by my amazing Cardiologist.

I was an abnormality, these conditions (congenital, meaning I was borm with them) are usually picked up in babies and small children. Mine was diagnosed at 19. My full story is in previous posts and I give lots of insight into my journey and experience.

All of this to say Heart month is important and I am so glad we get to educate and talk about the importance of heart health. It is such an important topic that though can feel uncomfrtable, can and is life saving. I feel very blessed that I had such a good outcome and that I am able to share my story and bring some comfort to others going through a similar experience.

Jess xx