Monique, a cancer survivor, began having high blood pressure during menopause. She has lived with heart disease for 20 years, including heart failure, and received a heart transplant. Read more about Monique's journey and her advice for other women managing their heart health. 

Monique is no stranger to health challenges. Diagnosed at 22 with idiopathic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition with an unknown cause, she managed her condition for years before undergoing a lifesaving heart transplant in her 40s in 2017. Later, she faced another hardship with cancer, adding new layers to her health journey. But it was during menopause that she experienced high blood pressure for the first time—a change that made her realize how crucial it is to speak up and work closely with health care providers. Monique, now 52, lives in Northern Virginia and works in nonprofit development. She strongly believes in the power of self-advocacy, especially as women navigate the health challenges that come with aging.

Five years after her transplant, in late 2022, Monique began experiencing stomach issues and found herself in and out of the hospital during the holidays. A biopsy revealed she had lymphoma; a type of cancer related to the immunosuppressant medications she had been taking since her transplant. Shortly after she completed chemotherapy, her blood pressure began to rise.

“It started with headaches, and then I saw my blood pressure was up at my clinic visits,” Monique recalls. Her doctors advised her to monitor it, but no one explained why it was happening. It wasn't until Monique attended a seminar about menopause and high blood pressure that she finally connected the dots. Reflecting on the situation, Monique said, “The emotions were a little bit of surprise and frustration,” adding, “They tested me over the years, first saying I was premenopausal, then menopausal, and later postmenopausal, but no one explained how any of these stages could affect my blood pressure.”

Monique wasn't alone in this discovery. She later learned that her cousin had experienced a similar rise in blood pressure during menopause, pointing to a possible family connection. Despite the lack of guidance from her health care providers, Monique took control of her health. She adjusted her lifestyle, focusing on a lower-sodium diet, staying hydrated, and checking her blood pressure daily.

“Treat your body like your best friend,” Monique advises. Just as she would encourage her friends to get checked if they had health concerns, she urges women to do the same for themselves. For women who feel dismissed or unsure of how to advocate for themselves, her message is clear: “It's not a privilege [but] a right to have these conversations. If you don't feel heard, go see another provider. Get a second opinion. Get a third opinion.” She also suggests bringing a trusted family member or friend to appointments for added support.

Monique's story is a powerful reminder that self-advocacy is key to good health. As a national WomenHeart champion, she shares her journey to inspire other women to take control of their health. “I am responsible for my health—me, no one else,” she says, emphasizing that managing your health starts with you.

Take Action: Learn more about how menopause can affect blood pressure and explore this resource on advocating for yourself in health care settings. Remember, regular checkups and speaking openly with your doctor about any changes are crucial to maintaining heart health.