PATTIE'S STORY

My doctor diagnosed me as having a heart murmur a couple of years ago and said I should check in with a cardiologist every few years. I started feeling out of breath while doing everyday things, like practicing soccer with my daughter. At first, I just chalked it up to being out of shape, but it got worse. I've always had a lot of energy, so I went to my doctor. She told me my heart condition could be fatal if I didn't get to a hospital very soon. A few weeks later, I had surgery to replace my aortic valve.

It's important for people to realize that life doesn't have to come to a halt just because they've been a heart patient. The joke among my colleagues, clients, and those who have known me for decades is that I still don't slow down! There are a lot of things I want to do in my life, so I know it's important to take care of my health. Most women put everyone else before themselves, but you can't put off taking care of your heart.