ISSUE NO. 2: MATTERS OF THE HEART

Issue No. 2: Matters of the Heart is our inaugural print edition dedicated to comprehensive heart health awareness, prevention, and education. This special issue features exclusive interviews with Veronica Sanchez of the American Heart Association and Dr. Jean Ekwenibe, a leading cardiologist in the Houston area, offering expert insights into cardiovascular disease, risk factors, and life-saving prevention strategies.

We also explore the lasting impact of heart disease through the story of Erica Garner, daughter of Eric Garner, highlighting the intersection of stress, systemic inequities, and cardiovascular health.

Inside, you’ll find practical guidance on how to prevent hypertension, improve blood pressure, and adopt heart-healthy habits. From effective exercises that strengthen your heart to lifestyle tips for long-term cardiovascular wellness, this issue serves as a trusted resource for maintaining a healthy heart at every stage of life.

Matters of the Heart

El Corazón de Mi Tía — A Short Essay by Yeiry Guevara

Of the thousand times my Aunt’s heart has been ripped open, including her pacemaker surgery, I don’t know if any of those instances compare with the loss of her parents and brother.

Rheumatic Heart Disease: Global Impact, Symptoms, and Prevention

Rheumatic heart disease is the one type of heart disease that affects mostly children and young adults in low-income countries.

Anatomy of the Heart: Here’s What the Heart Actually Looks Like

An anatomically correct drawing of the heart with labels. Illustrated by Singha Hon.

Heart Disease Prevention: An Interview with Veronica Sanchez of the American Heart Association

A conversation with Veronica Sanchez—Director of Community Impact for the American Heart Association.

Matters of the Heart

The Heart of Erica Garner and the Cost of Fighting Back Against Racial Inequality

The cost of fighting back against racial inequality. Erica Garner was an uncompromising woman, who fought bravely for police reform.

How To Keep Your Heart Healthy: An Interview with Cardiologist Jean Ekwenibe

A conversation with Dr. Jean Ekwenibe, a non-invasive cardiologist based in Houston,TX. Dr. Ekwenibe shares insights on how to keep your heart healthy, what a typical heart patient looks like and more.

Heart and Heart — A Poem by Trilby Yates

Eyes close take a deep breath
deep breath through the nose slow inhale
never letting go never letting go

Matters of the Heart

How My Pacemaker Gave Me A New Life — An Essay by Lois Shaw

Elder Lois Shaw shares a personal essay on experiencing a heart attack and what it's like living with a pacemaker.

8 Must-Read Books on Heart Disease, Heart Attacks, and Healing from Heartbreak

Discover 8 powerful books on heart disease, heart attacks, emotional heartache, and healing.

3 Heart Healthy Exercises Recommended by Doctors

There are three types of exercise recommended for general heart health and fitness: Aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching.

Matters of the Heart

Different Ways to Say the Same Thing — An Essay by J. White

An essay by J. White on heart break and the experience of being human.

Create a simple, effective daily heart-centered care practice with tips to reduce stress, support emotional well-being, and improve overall heart health.

An essay by Arlene Bae Reich exploring the stages of heartbreak and emotional healing, tracing grief, memory, and self-reclamation through a deeply personal journey of love and loss.

A poem by Kathryn Mona on grief, heartbreak, and loss.

Read more →

Featured

The Signs and Symptoms of Stroke for Women

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality for women, with twice as many women a year dying from a stroke than from breast cancer.

He Was a Greek God || We Have Secrets — A Poem on Loss by Aisha Khan

A poem about personal and familial loss by Aisha Khan. Featuring an illustration by Singha Hon.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

A deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that occurs in a deep vein, usually in the legs.

Love Is & My heart is for feeling — Love Poems by Ana Veras

Two love poems by poet Ana Veras with collage artwork by Rae Farine.

Heartbreak — Illustrations by Helena Ravenne

Illustrations on heartbreak by artist Helena Ravenne.

This Isn't About You — A Short Story on Mysterious Break Up Support by Inhye Lee

Izzy gets a mysterious call that leaves her uncertain yet comforted after a painful breakup.

Featured

Life After a Heart Transplant and Learning How to be a Heart Transplant Survivor

Explore life after a heart transplant in this insightful conversation with educator Linda Jara, covering recovery, resilience, and what it means to thrive as a heart transplant survivor.

Anniversary — A Poem by Kayla Farrell

A poem on personal loss and heartbreak by Kayla Farrell.

Rocks Love Windows — A Short Film by Brianna Dorn

A visual essay about loss, love, and belonging by Brianna Dorn.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Explained: Causes, Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when pressure in the arteries is too high.

My Heart Transmogrifies Into My Name — A Short Film on Marital Heartbreak by Lune Ames

Filmmaker and artist, Lune Ames, narrates a poetic short film on marriage, love, and independence.