Alecia Cordell was 8 when her father had his first heart attack at age 33, and a teen when he had a fatal heart attack at 40.

Twelve years later, her mom had a heart attack at 47.

“I was in my 20s then. I didn’t think too much about that happening to me,” says Alecia, a medical quality management coordinator at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

A few years later, when Alecia was 31, the picture became clearer.

A routine workplace wellness screening showed Alecia’s blood pressure and cholesterol were high. It also pointed to her having diabetes.

“Because I’d had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, I wasn’t surprised by the diabetes diagnosis. But hearing about my blood pressure and cholesterol along with that was a lot,” she says.

Many turns on the road ahead

Alecia began taking medication prescribed by her doctor and getting regular blood pressure checks. She did her best to keep the worry that can accompany a family history like hers at bay.

But symptoms she experienced one night a few years later sent her to an urgent care facility. An EKG to check her heart came back normal.

“I was 32. The thought was that I’d had a panic attack,” Alecia says.

But she found herself thinking about her parents’ health history more often and wondering if it would be her story, as well.

In 2013 while in her early 40s, those “what ifs” became reality.

“I woke up with intense pain under my arm and in my chest,” Alecia says.

An EKG at the ER was once again normal, but a blood test pointed to a heart attack. She soon had two stents placed in arteries in her heart. In the years that followed, she had additional cardiac episodes and eight more stents placed.

In February 2023, chest pain sent her to the ER again. But the words from her doctor told her this time would be different.

“My doctor said I needed heart bypass surgery,” Alecia says.

Being mindful, sharing what she’s learned

Alecia’s heart surgery went well. Cardiac rehab helped in her recuperation as did assistance she got from home health care and from a BlueCross case manager.

“Being a nurse, I understood all the medical things. But having a case manager guide me was so helpful,” she says.

Now three years after her surgery, Alecia’s working to manage her health conditions, knowing how each of them can impact the others. She’s gotten dietary counseling and uses a blood pressure management program, both offered through her health plan.

She also has support from her children who serve to keep her in check, she says.

Alecia tells others how important it is to take family medical history seriously and to share that with your doctors when you’re getting care. She’s also learned the value of asking questions and advocating for yourself while getting care.

“I often say that I have a heart that’s pieced together. But it lets me be here for my kids and grandkids,” Alecia says.

Use this checklist to help keep your heart healthy:

• Check your blood pressure at home. Use a digital monitor and keep a log. Be sure to share your numbers with your doctor.
• Focus on your position. During your blood pressure check, make sure your back is supported, your feet are flat, and your arm is at heart level. Try not to talk or move until the test is complete.
• Make sure your doctor checks your blood pressure regularly. Ask about your target numbers and any screenings you may need.
• Ask for a second reading. Any stress you may feel arriving to your appointment can raise your numbers. If your first reading isn’t normal, ask your doctor to re-check it before leaving.
• Practice healthy habits. Eating well, exercising, limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco products are all healthy habits you can try. Ask your doctor for tips.
• Manage stress. If you’re feeling stressed, talk to your doctor. They may be able to help you.
• Take your medication as prescribed. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for your medication

Get more information on cardiac conditions from BlueCross Healthwise resources on bcbst.com including Heart and Circulation,  cholesterol and blood pressure.

 

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.