Singer Toni Braxton's Pericarditis

Singer Toni Braxton helps the "Go Red" cause this month with her personal story about heart disease. Braxton is now a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.

When people think of heart disease, they usually envision older women and men who "look" sick. This is not always the case, as demonstrated by R&B singer Toni Braxton. Several years ago, the singer was performing on Broadway, and one night she got very fatigued and passed out. When the ER doctor told her she had pericarditis, an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the heart, she was amazed. Learn more about this condition in Braxton's videotaped interview for WebMD.

Also check out this week's article about symptoms, causes, and the definition of pericarditis. This type of heart disease strikes the young and elderly, and it can attack someone who appears to be in perfect physical shape. Alarmingly, the symptoms can resemble a heart attack and the complications of untreated pericarditis can be serious. Take the time to become informed during National Heart Disease Awareness Month.