GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Ellen Kirchoff lives with rare heart condition. She is also the 2015 Twin Cities Go Red For Women Casting Call winner and spokeswoman.
Ellen joined KARE 11 News @4 to share more of her story and to encourage women to join her at the Mall of America on Saturday, Feb. 7th to learn more about how heart disease affects women.
Ellen says a large ovarian tumor that she had removed when she was 18 sent her body into a downward spiral. She suffered bouts of nausea, cold sweats, aches, fatigue, vomiting, dizziness and passing out. Eventually she had to quit her job, quit driving and use a wheel chair to avoid dangerous falls from passing out. Misdiagnosed for 12 years, in 2012, at age 30, Elle was finally diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Basically when she stands up her heart and brain don't communicate causing her to pass out. It effects mainly women.
While there is currently no cure for POTS, Elle is hopeful that by sharing her story through causes like Go Red For Women that she can raise awareness about the condition and move closer to a cure.
Learn about Heart Health at Free MOA Health Expo - Saturday, Feb. 7
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women but it doesn't have to be. It is 80 percent preventable with healthy lifestyle. Join women and families from around the state and celebrate American Heart Month with Go Red For Women's free health expo at the Mall of America, Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn how to live healthy and share your story with free events including: Go Red Casting Call, blood pressure screening, CPR training, red dress fashion show with student designs, zumba fitness, live heart lab, give-aways and more.
For more information, head to Twin Cities Go Red
