The American Heart Association’s Support Network: An Online Social Community of Care

Being the daughter of a mother who had idiopathic cardiomyopathy and later a heart transplant, I felt it was essential for me to share with everyone this great program from the American Heart Association (AHA). The American Heart Association’s Support Network is an online social community that provides real human fellowship, as well as health and emotional resources for caregivers, family members, and survivors of heart disease and stroke. This FREE online network supports both survivors and caregivers of stroke, heart disease, atrial fibrillation (Afib), venous thromboembolism (VTE), peripheral artery disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), angina, congenital heart defects, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and many others.

There are so many positive benefits of connecting with others online. Online social communities like the Support Network can have positive physical and emotional benefits for community members, and as a result, helps to increase emotional well-being and improve quality of life.

With nearly 117,000 members and 25 forums, the Support Network consists of survivors, caregivers, family members, friends, and others whose lives have been personally affected by heart disease or stroke. This is a great place where you can learn about your heart condition, share your personal experiences with heart disease or stroke, offer support, offer guidance during difficult times. You can also help others by sharing your own health story and ask questions of the community and professionals all while receiving emotional support from this fantastic community.

My Story

I joined the American Heart Association’s Support Network, for many reasons. Besides joining to offer support and encouragement to others who are living as caregivers for a parent with heart disease, the big reason I joined the network myself was that I had had personal experience with cardiovascular issues.

Shortly after my second child was born six years ago, I ended up in the emergency room with chest pains and shortness of breath. I thought I was having a heart attack! After multiple tests and scans, I was ultimately diagnosed with being in postpartum heart failure due to fluid overload during labor and delivery.

It was a fluke thing that “happens sometimes,” my cardiologist explained.  I felt devastated, terrified, and alone with this diagnosis. What did this mean for me as a mother? Was I going to be around long enough to see my baby boy grow? These were all questions that were running through my mind as I laid alone in the hospital.

Luckily, my condition improved quickly with rest and medication, and I haven’t had issues since.  But, at the time, in 2012, I didn’t have anywhere like the AHA’s Support Network to turn to for support and guidance. I had no idea what to expect. I never want another new mom to feel like that so, I have taken it upon myself to join the Support Network and offer my support and personal account to help others.

Learn More

Whether you’re a heart disease or stroke survivor or caregiver, make a connection—for life. Join the American Heart Association Support Network online, HERE. Signing up is free, easy, and safe. Plus, there are no membership fees for this fantastic service—Ever!

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I urge you to join the conversation NOW. Start sharing your story—whether you’re a caregiver or the person recovering—today! You never know whose life your story will touch. Here’s to a longer, healthier life.

You can also visit the American Heart Association online at:

Website: https://supportnetwork.heart.org/

Facebook: @AmericanHeart

Twitter: @American_Heart

Instagram: @American_Heart

This is a sponsored post for The American Heart Association. All opinions are my own.