The newsmagazine show “Chronicle” on WCVB-TV devoted an entire one hour episode to heart health this week.
Reporter and producer Nicole Estaphan interviewed several American Heart Association volunteers for the episode — Dr. Ami Bhatt, the president of the Association’s Board of Directors in Boston; Michael Poirier, a heart transplant recipient who shared his story at the 2023 Central Massachusetts Heart and Stroke Ball; and Bouba Dieme, the founder of a local nonprofit dedicated to improving health outcomes in Boston who is also a heart transplant recipient.
The episode, which aired during American Heart Month, touched on the work the American Heart Association is doing in Boston to fight heart disease and stroke. This includes working alongside community leaders, supporting more walking and biking routes, driving initiatives that make healthier food options available in all neighborhoods, and providing kids with more opportunities to be active in school.
Estaphan also shared her personal health journey in the episode, revealing that she was recently diagnosed with coronary artery disease.
“My heart was the last thing on my mind. I workout, and while my diet probably needed an upgrade, it wasn’t terrible. I’ve never smoked, and I have no family history of heart disease,” said Estaphan, who is 40.
Click the links below to learn more about Estaphan’s experience with heart disease and to view each segment of the episode.
American Heart Health Month: Raising awareness
Nicole Estaphan shares her compelling heart health journey
Proactive healthcare: Looking at the risk factors of heart disease
Heart of a Giant Foundation supports patients managing chronic heart disease