Toni Braxton on surviving heart disease

by Jacki Donaldson (Subscribe to Jacki Donaldson's posts)
Feb 8th 2008 8:00AM

Categories: Celebrities and Entertainment, Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment

Grammy winner Toni Braxton tells PEOPLE magazine that she is this year's spokesperson for the American Heart Association. It's not just her celebrity that landed her the job, though. It's the fact that she's a living, breathing survivor of heart disease.

Helping to kick off February's National Heart Month, the 40-year-old Braxton says, ""I have heart disease, and I found out about five or four years ago." Exhaustion is what tipped her off. A trip to see her doctor confirmed that heart disease was the culprit, specifically pericarditis -- an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart -- and hypertension too.

Braxton is fighting her disease by making lifestyle and diet changes.

"I eat relatively well, but sometimes having those pizzas and burgers late at night -- I had to change that," she says.

Health tips for high blood pressure(click thumbnails to view gallery)

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Comments (8)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

DIana 2-10-2008 @ 8:36AM

doctor refused to give mother her rhogram shot caused baby to have to get 2 blood transfusions and an injection 3 times per week she was awaiting payment from hip insurance. hip never paid doctor never gave shot. Mother had to pay and neveer got reimbursed.

CeCe 2-10-2008 @ 8:35AM

DIana, a very familiar story to many I am sure. I hope Mom and baby are okay. How sad that many, like Ms. Braxton, have to suffer this disorder at such a young age.

tessa 2-10-2008 @ 2:11PM

I have heart disease and a blood clotting disorder and I love when someone young comes out and talks out. I got diagnosed after someone looked past my being obese and did some tests. I am blood thinners and take extra folic acid for my condition. I don't think being obese caused my condition. I know it did not HELP!

I'm now weight couselor/motivator and personal trainer for women.

Here are a few tips that I give out to my clients:

Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. If you can't be
perfect in your eating don't make the day a wash and start
"tomorrow".

Try to eat something you truly enjoy every day.

Try to eat tomatoes in some form..lycopene is great for all
especially men!

Get a pedometer and try to walk 10,000 steps a day.

If you don't get enough fruits and veggies take a good multi vitamin.

Try to get exercise in when you can. I have read about smartsoles on
many aol boards and they actually work, they increase calories burned
with each step and tone muscles http://www.smartsole.com

Join a support group to discuss food issues. I have found that good
old fashioned weight watchers truly is the best and not expensive.
http://www.weightwatchers.com

And the best thing I did for myself as a single woman is get a pet.
It has reduced stress for me and added to my happiness.

Try not to eat your heaviest meal too late.

Don't hold grudges!

Again all are "tries". nobody is perfect!

Belle 2-10-2008 @ 2:11PM

I liked your "get a pet comment". A dog friend is a wonderful way to get outside exercise. The dog will depend on you to take at least one longer walk a day. You can make it a very pleasurable jaunt for you and your pet. Many times we will do for our dog (like walking) things that we don't do for ourselves. Borrowing a friend or neighbor's dog for walks is an idea too! Good for you Tessa, you are really breaking down this problem in a manageable way. Here's to your success!

kim 2-10-2008 @ 2:11PM

tessa,
what a wonderful comment, u truly have a gift as a motivator.i am not overweight nor have i ever been, but i do eat horribly. i am going to try to do better 4 myself and family. thanx for the comment that finally made me "think"

Josette Simpson 2-11-2008 @ 1:27PM

i just found out i have 2 have open heart surgery. on friday2/15/08 i ask my Dr how long it took for this to happen he said years. what i would like 2 know why my Dr. never check my heart even when he ask me my family history and gave me pills for high blood presser and did my check-up for the yearTell me what is wrong with this picture?

Kat Nelson 2-10-2008 @ 2:12PM

Obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, legal and illegal drugs, excessive alcohol intake, junk and fast food diets, high cholesterol, stress, unhappy relationships and genetics are all "risk factors" that contribute to heart disease. Ask any Cardiologist. Change your diet, change your weight, change your stress factors including toxic relationships, and you change your reality into a healthier one. Denial of obesity or excessive weight is one of the most significant risk factors and there is no getting around that. Portion control, organic foods, exercise such as walking daily, limitations on alcohol and zero illegal drugs, consult with your doctor about prescription drugs and eliminate those you can. Take responsibility for your own health, it IS your body and the only one you have.