LaToya Jordan of Henderson is using her personal journey with chronic heart disease to raise awareness and encourage others to prioritize their heart health. Diagnosed with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure (CCHF) in 2023, Jordan now advocates for early detection and proper care, urging others to listen to their bodies before symptoms escalate.
Jordan’s battle began when she started experiencing unusual shortness of breath, even after simple tasks like walking from her front door to her car. “I just thought I needed to lose weight,” Jordan explained. “But I had no idea I was carrying around two liters of fluid, especially around my heart and lungs.”
Chronic Congestive Heart Failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in various parts of the body. For Jordan, the diagnosis was a shock. “When you hear the word ‘failure’ in something, it’s hard not to wonder how long you have left,” she said, reflecting on her initial reaction to the news.
Despite her deteriorating health, Jordan continued with her day-to-day activities, unaware of the severity of her condition. “Sometimes, as Black women, we feel like we have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders,” Jordan said. “But we don’t. This experience has taught me to stop, breathe, and reset.”
As part of American Heart Month, Jordan is sharing her story to raise awareness about the importance of heart health, particularly for Black communities. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for all U.S. adults, with a heightened risk for Black individuals.
Jordan emphasized, “We have to take care of our heart in order to survive.”
Although her condition is chronic, Jordan remains determined to thrive. Through her advocacy, she hopes others will take heart health seriously and seek support when needed. “No one should suffer in silence,” she said.
For those experiencing heart disease symptoms or concerned about their heart health, Jordan urges individuals to consult their doctors and find a supportive community to share their experiences.
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