Reminders from a Congenital Heart Disease patient and cardiologist to prioritize your heart health

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of heart health. However, Dr. Ed Hickey and Houstonian Katherine Armstrong serve as powerful reminders of why prioritizing heart health should be at the forefront of our minds.

Dr. Hickey, a seasoned cardiologist and surgical director for Texas Children’s Adult Congenital Heart Program talked to us about Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), specifically about how about half of the cases are not genetic at all. On Houston Life, Dr. Hickey emphasized the advancements in cardiac care, the significance of early detection, and the role of lifestyle modifications in promoting heart wellness. He says patients fall into two categories. The first is children who were diagnosed early in life and grew up with CHD. The second is adults who never thought there was anything wrong until they experienced symptoms.

Mother of two, Katherine Armstrong falls into the latter category. She has navigated the challenges of living with congenital heart disease herself since 2019. But, she’s no stranger to the diagnoses.

Her first daughter, Hudson was born in 2016 with a 22mm Atrial Septal Defect in her heart. ASD happens when there is a hole in the heart that divides the upper chambers of the heart. It was repaired and now Hudson is 8 years old and thriving.

Armstrong’s second daughter, Holland was born two years later. The Armstrongs made sure to get her checked out before leaving the hospital. Holland also had ASD and will get it repaired later this year.

In 2019, Armstrong woke up with brain fog and blurry vision. During a trip to the ER, she was told it was anxiety and was sent home. That happened three more times that year before she was diagnosed with ASD herself.

Her ASD was repaired and now she works with the American Congenital Heart Association as a patient and advocate for heart health. She supports initiatives that raise awareness about heart disease and participates in events such as the American Congenital Heart Association’s Walk for 1-in-100. You can still sign up for April’s walk.

ACHA Walk for 1 in 100 (KPRC TV)

You can sign up to join heart warriors and supporters at Houston’s ACHA Walk for 1 in 100 here.


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