heart attack; widow maker; cardiac arrest; heart network; one heart network; heart attack survivors; heart attack survivor; alternative heart failure treatments; lvad pump; bridge to heart transplant; ekg; icd; defibrillator; does it hurt when your defibrillator goes off; what is a heart ablation; what is advanced heart failure; life expectancy after heart attack; personal heart attack stories; first responder; what is cardiac arrest; is cardiac arrest and a heart attack the same; time is muscle; heart blockage; what is a widow maker; how long can I survive after a heart attack; Does it hurt when your ICD shocks you; heart failure in women; heart failure in men; symptoms of a heart attack; what are the symptoms of a heart attack; Living with Advanced Heart Failure; How Supplements Can Help With Cardiovascular Health; The Best and Worst Beverages for Cardiovascular Health; Understanding Defibrillators; What Medications Are Used to Treat Heart Failure; Sex and Relationships: The Impacts of Heart Failure; Anxiety; Depression; and Heart Failure; Mental Health and Heart Failure; Heart Transplant Evaluation Process; Dizziness Is a Symptom of a Heart Attack; Sweating as a Symptom of Heart Attack; Strategies to Prevent Heart Disease; Understanding the Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and a Heart Attack; Cardiac Arrest; What Happens to Your Body Immediately After; Common Heart Attack Symptoms, Advanced Heart Failure Statistics, Advanced Heart Failure Management & Treatments, Invest in Your Health, HF Prevention, What is Ejection Fraction, Living With Advanced HF, Common HF Symptoms, Heart Failure Classifications, Become an Organ Donor, What is a Heart Transplant, Mental Quality of Life, Do I qualify for Transplant, Heart Attack Statistics in the United States, The Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and a Heart Attack, Advanced Heart Failure Statistics, FDA Approves PulseSelect Pulsed Field Ablation System, Advanced Heart Failure Management & Treatments

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Living with Advanced Heart Failure

For me, each and every day is a new page, an entire chapter, or a single irreplaceable moment on the next step of my journey with advanced heart failure. It’s a delicate balance of recognizing my limitations, as well as my strengths, and most importantly navigating life on a daily basis with the constant presence of advanced heart failure.

My life has been absolutely all over the spectrum, but I would not change a single decision that has led me to this sentence. Looking for today’s single irreplaceable moment.

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This is a 3D image of the left side of my heart made up of a physical and an electrial mapping. The red color indicates no electrical activity.

One Heart NetworkTM

One Heart Network™ is a healthy living movement to inspire lasting change in your health and your life, one small step at a time. The approach is simple: Eat smart. Move more. Be well.

Living Life with Advanced Heart Failure

The First Widow Maker

We all know that as men, there are times when we can be stubborn and even dismissive when it comes to being proactive regarding our health. It’s either, oh it will go away on its own, that will never happen to me, or I’ll schedule that appointment tomorrow. Speaking from personal experience, life has a strange way of shaking one into reality. Simply put, invest in and maintain your health.

The Second Widow Maker

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better. Oh, but wait, there’s more. On to April 8, 2021, I’m sitting at my desk working away, no different from any other day. My wife makes me some lunch and I actually felt bad for the tacos for a brief moment – but it was short lived. About 2 hours later at 4:45 pm, I thought to myself, whew, what did she put in those tacos.

The Third Heart Attack

We hit the hat trick, heart attack #3. On to October 22, 2022. It’s a nice day out and my wife and I were enjoying some show on the deck and decided we wanted to get out of the house. So I start getting ready and after I stepped out of the shower, I felt just a small tingle. By this point if the wind twitches so much as a degree I can usually pick up on it

Treatments

Treating heart failure involves a comprehensive, personalized approach that includes lifestyle modifications, medications, advanced therapies, surgical interventions, and cardiac rehabilitation. Additionally, seeking potential clinical trials can offer access to new treatments. Make sure that your healthcare team knows your goals.

Anxiety & Depression

Having heart failure increases the likelihood of facing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Conversely, mental health conditions can also elevate the risk of heart-related problems. Seeking treatment for anxiety or depression is crucial, particularly for individuals with heart failure.

Heart Supplements

Supplements that are GOOD for your Heart. If you’re struggling with high blood pressure or cholesterol, you’re probably looking for ways to reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Vitamins can also play an essential role in heart health. However, vitamins can also play an essential role in heart health. 

Intimacy & Relationships

Advanced heart failure has undoubtedly impacted my sex life and relationships, but it has also taught us resilience and adaptability. We learned to communicate better, redefine intimacy, and support each other. Heart failure doesn’t have to mean the end of a fulfilling, intimate relationship. With love, patience, and the right strategies, it’s possible to maintain a close and loving connection despite the challenges.

Live Your Life

Before I retired due to my health, I was always caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern life, deadlines, responsibilities, and the constant buzz of technology, it was easy to lose sight of what truly nourished us: connection with loved ones. Whether it's a date night with your partner, a family dinner, or a gathering with friends, these moments are more than just social outings—they're vital for our well-being.

Medication Management

My daily medication and supplement routine. Individuals diagnosed with chronic heart failure experience symptoms like difficulty breathing and swelling in the ankles due to congestion. These symptoms often deteriorate, resulting in frequent hospitalizations. Low adherence to medication is linked to poorer health outcomes in these patients, contributing to increased rates of hospital stays and mortality.

Does it hurt when your ICD shocks you? After 11 years of waiting, the answer will shock you...

Not sure what else I could say that would make any sense. Does it hurt? Simply put, yeah, it hurts. I'll trade you this defibrillator for your horse if you're still curious. At least the horse is going to give you some sort of warning.

See the image to the right where it looks like a seismograph with the red text. That's what I call getting rebooted.

What is an ECG/EKG and why they are important when it comes to helping diagnose problems with your heart?

An Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a specific period. During an ECG, small electrodes are attached to the skin on the chest, arms, and legs, and they detect the electrical signals produced by the heart as it beats. The resulting graph, known as an electrocardiogram, provides healthcare professionals with valuable insights into the heart's rhythm, rate, and overall electrical activity.

ECGs play a crucial role in diagnosing various heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and abnormal heart rhythms. By examining the patterns and abnormalities in the ECG tracings, doctors can assess the heart's health, identify potential issues, and formulate appropriate treatment plans to address cardiac concerns, making ECGs an indispensable tool in cardiovascular diagnostics.

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Healthy for Good Recipes

Delicious. Simple. Affordable. Quick. Bring simple cooking back to life.

Healthy for Good Infographics

Science-backed healthy habits in easy-to-read visuals to download or share on social.

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Understanding Magnesium

Understanding Magnesium: A Vital Mineral for Your Health Magnesium is an essential mineral crucial for more than 300 metabolic reactions in the body. It plays

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Enhancing Immune and Cardiovascular Health

V-Guard 2™: Enhancing Immune and Cardiovascular Health V-Guard 2™ is a comprehensive nutritional formulation designed to support the immune system naturally while also promoting cardiovascular

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Enhancing Mental and Cardiovascular Health

Mind™: Enhancing Mental and Cardiovascular Health Mind™ is a scientifically formulated nutritional supplement designed to promote focus and concentration while also supporting cardiovascular health. Developed

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Energy Boosting Nutritional Supplement

Lift™ Powder: Energize Your Mind and Boost Cardiovascular Health Lift™ Powder is an energy-boosting nutritional supplement developed by Life Extension Scientists Durk Pearson and Sandy

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Date Nights, Family Dinners, & Activities

Imagine a weekly tradition where you gather with your favorite people over a simple meal. It's not about the gourmet dishes or the fancy settings; it's about the laughter, the stories shared, and the support offered. These moments refuel our spirits, reconnect us with what truly matters, and remind us of the joy found in each other's company.

Join One Heart Network™ and get connected.

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