PORTLAND, Ore. — The American Heart Association is celebrating 100 years of working to build longer and healthier lives. One local woman, Tia B. Coachman, told KGW that thanks to their research and support, many people like her are alive today.
For a long time, she didn't even know she had a heart condition.
"Next thing I know my heart rate is increasing to levels of someone that has just run a marathon and so it would affect my breathing in a way that I would start shaking uncontrollably and it hurt," recalled Coachman.
But Coachman soon started having more episodes with her heart.
"Graduating from college, trying to find a job, relationships ending — all that stuff took me to a place I had never been before, and that triggered an irregular heartbeat," she said.
Coachman ended up getting a procedure to help her heart and save her life. She said she appreciates nonprofits like the American Heart Association for spreading awareness about heart conditions.
"For the last 100 years, the American Heart Association has been improving and saving lives, pioneering scientific discoveries and really advocating for better health for all of us," said Peggy Maguire, American Heart Association board member and president of the Cambia Health Foundation.
According to the American Heart Association, on average, someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the U.S. Heart disease and strokes could affect at least 60% of adults in the U.S. by 2050.
"Heart disease and strokes remain the No. 1 killer and No. 2 killers of people worldwide, so the more we can advocate for people to lead healthy lifestyles and take care of themselves and prevent heart disease, it's good for everyone," said Maguire.
The American Heart Association says there are some things you can do to stay healthy.
"Walking, sleeping, eating well, and the American Heart Assocation has tips on their website for healthy living," said Maguire.
Those affected by heart issues say it's important to seek help from the American Heart Association if you have questions about your heart health.
"Make sure that you are talking to people that will listen to you because we only get one life, and so it's up to us to advocate for that," said Coachman.