Denise P., an African American woman, asked the proHeart community how to live a more healthy heart life. Read more about her situation...

On February 2010, I had a heart attack. I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure as well. I am an African American and I come from a family of heart disease and high blood pressure. My mom died from a heart attack, along w/her sisters and brother. Her only living brother has been on an aspirin regimen for years (He has a pacemaker). My brother had a massive stroke in 2008, my sister had a mild stroke 2009, and in 2010, I had a heart attack. They were all due to high blood pressure. We are all on an aspirin regimen. I don’t want this to happen to anyone else especially someone in my family. (Heart disease and/or heart attack) Two of my four daughters have high blood pressure too. One daughter is 31yrs, & the other daughter is 22yrs. I am somewhat overweight, but I want to be healthy. I want to learn how to turn things around. This is scary to me because I am only 52 years old. I’d like to think that I am going to be around for my grandchildren to become adults. I’m concerned because I really didn’t think that I was having a heart attack. I guess that’s why it’s called the “silent killer”. Sincerely.... trying to live, do and feel better.