"Be Your Own Advocate": Carly Pearce Says Doctors Initially Dismissed Her Heart Disorder Symptoms
Image via CMA

"Be Your Own Advocate:" Carly Pearce Says Doctors Initially Dismissed Her Heart Disorder Symptoms

Carly Pearce is opening up about her recent health struggles. Pearce was diagnosed with a heart condition last year, after going a long time without answers. Pearce is now stronger and healthier than ever. More importantly, Pearce has wise advice for others, after Pearce's own ordeal.

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"I'm doing a lot better," Pearce tells Fox News. "I'm still kind of just on a health journey in general, just to continue to hope that this recurrent pericarditis isn't recurrent. But I think my biggest piece of advice for anybody is, listen to your body and be your own advocate. Because a lot of times, a lot of doctors dismissed me, and I was persistent until I got a diagnosis."

Before receiving a correct diagnosis, Pearce admits she thought something terrible was happening to her.

"I thought I was dying," Pearce admits on The Kelly Clarkson Show. "It was like crazy, crazy chest pain. I thought I was having a heart attack. ...it's crazy because I'm a runner and I'm like, 'Oh, my heart's healthy.'"

Carly Pearce Updates Fans On Her Health

Fortunately, thanks to proper treatment, Pearce is doing better than ever. Pearce has learned how to manage her heart condition, even amid her successful career.

"I'm doing better. I'm healthy, I'm trying to find my new normal. I have what's called recurrent pericarditis. I've had several flares since 2020," the artist says (via the New York Post). "With a busy schedule, I just have to maintain balance more. Maybe not going a thousand percent when I'm running, or maybe walking on a day that I feel a little bit less myself. Just trying to figure out ways to keep my mind and my body just more calm."

Heart conditions are not new for Pearce's family. Her father had what is commonly known as a widowmaker heart attack when she was just 19. He fortunately survived, and is now a source of information for his daughter.

"I've really leaned on him just for help through the anxiety that comes with, 'Oh my gosh, I'm having a chest pain, am I OK, am I OK?'" she reveals. "It's been really helpful to have somebody in your family that can really help you through those things."