The "Heart" of the Matter

What you'll find as you get to know me is that I am a walking example of "Destiny"!

I don't share all of it with everyone because some are a little uncomfortable

when you talk about these things. I can tell you that many of the experiences in my life are the driving force of the essence of "Hearts of Inspiration".

Here's the short version:

The name "Hearts of Inspiration" was inspired as a result of our family's experience with surviving cardiac arrest and several strokes. Only to have my heart repaired and find that

my son had the same defect that nearly took my life!

We were both born with a Congenital Heart Defect called an ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) or a hole in the heart. Mine was undiagnosed by many Medical people until I was 40. Evan's was only detected at 9 years old because I asked his pediatrician to check him for it.

Facts about CHDs:

• CHDs are the most common of Birth Defects. (March of Dimes, American Heart Association)
• Most of the time these defects are detected at birth. Sometimes before birth, while the mother is pregnant.
• Even though 1 in 100 babies are born with some form of CHD, there is not a standard protocol in hospitals to screen newborns for CHDs.
• It is estimated that 10% of the population is walking around with undetected heart defects. Some simple and some more serious.
• The best way to detect a CHD is through a heart history, exam, EKG and an Echocardiogram.
• Heart related deaths are the leading cause of death (American Heart Association)

What can you do?

1. Be aware and keep a record of any heart history in your family.
2. Make your Dr. aware of any family members who have died from a heart related deaths before the age of 40.
3. Report any symptoms such as: shortness of breath, frequent upper respiratory infections, heart palpitations, chest pains, easily exhausted.
4. For peace of mind have your heart as well as your children's screened at Beaumont Hospital Heart Center or one of their Free "Student Heart Screening" events.

For more information on Congenital Heart Defects visit these websites:

American Heart Association - www.heart.org

March of Dimes - www.marchofdimes.com

Anthony Bates Foundation - www.anthonybates.org

Heartfeltcardiacprojects.org

Inspiringly Yours,

Tracey

Next: "Manners of the Heart"