Toni Braxton Reveals Near-Fatal Heart Attack on ‘The Braxtons’
Toni Braxton Credits Late Sister Traci as Her Guardian Angel During Heart Health Scare
Toni Braxton, the iconic R&B singer, faced a terrifying health scare recently, and she believes her late sister, Traci Braxton, played a pivotal role in protecting her from a potentially fatal heart attack. This revelation came to light during the premiere episode of the new season of ‘The Braxtons,’ which aired on August 9. Toni opened up about the traumatic experience she endured two years after Traci’s unfortunate passing due to esophageal cancer.
Toni’s Emotional Revelation
Toni, 56, gathered her family for dinner to share the distressing news. Her sisters, Towanda, Trina, Tamar, and her mother, Dr. Evelyn Braxton, were unaware of the gravity of her health situation. Trina, 49, expressed her concern, stating, “In true Toni fashion, she asked the family to come to dinner and had something to tell us, but this time, her tone was very melancholy, and it made me really afraid because Toni had this recent health scare.” Trina further added that Toni has always been reserved about her feelings, especially regarding her health.
The Burden of Lupus
Diagnosed with Lupus in 2007, Toni has always kept her health challenges close to her chest. She admitted, “I know I have to tell the girls about a health scare, which makes me feel some kind of way because the last health scare we heard was Traci.” Understanding the emotional toll Traci’s death had on the family, Toni was apprehensive about sharing her own health issues, fearing it would cause undue stress.
The Widowmaker Heart Attack
Over dinner, Toni disclosed the full extent of her health ordeal, revealing that she nearly suffered a widowmaker heart attack. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a widowmaker heart attack is a type of heart attack where there’s a complete blockage in the heart’s largest artery. Fortunately, Toni’s doctors detected the issue just in time. “If I had a heart attack, I wouldn’t have survived; I wouldn’t be here right now,” she tearfully confessed to her family.
Toni’s Guardian Angel
In a moment of profound emotion, Toni shared her belief that her sister Traci was acting as her guardian angel. She recounted the doctors’ words, “They told me your sister was watching over you because they’re right; you should be dead today. You should not be alive.” This belief provided Toni with some comfort amidst the fear and uncertainty surrounding her health.
Future Health Interventions
Despite having a stent placed in her heart, Toni revealed that she would eventually need bypass surgery. She explained in a confessional, “I had to have a stent put in my heart, which was extremely scary. That’s a very scary procedure itself, but when my doctor told me I might not ever be able to do a tour again. Okay? I heard it before, but this was different. They say you may never be able to do another tour because you could have a heart attack.”
The Emotional Toll
Toni’s health scare has had a significant emotional impact on her. She shared her anxiety, “It’s crazy anxiety. I just think about it all the time… It’s really messed up that I’m scared every day. If I have a heart attack, I won’t survive. I can’t handle even that feeling.” Her sister Towanda tried to reassure her, saying, “Just because they say it, doesn’t make it true.”
Family Concerns and Future Uncertainties
Toni also expressed her fears for her sons, Denim and Diezel Braxton-Lewis. “All I could think about were the boys and I hate saying it out loud even now because it’s real. It’s real life,” she lamented. The emotional toll on Toni underscores the importance of family support during such trying times.
FAQs
What is a widowmaker heart attack?
A widowmaker heart attack occurs when there’s a complete blockage in the heart’s largest artery, often leading to a fatal outcome if not treated immediately.
How is Lupus related to heart disease?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can lead to inflammation of various body parts, including the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease.
What is a stent, and why is it used?
A stent is a small, mesh tube inserted into a blocked artery to keep it open, ensuring proper blood flow to the heart.
What are the risks of bypass surgery?
Bypass surgery is a major procedure that involves risks such as infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia, but it can be life-saving for those with severe heart disease.
Conclusion
Toni Braxton’s recent health scare has brought to light the importance of timely medical intervention and the emotional support of family. Her belief that her late sister Traci acted as her guardian angel provides a touching narrative of love and protection beyond life. As Toni continues to navigate her health challenges, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the strength found in familial bonds.
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Catch ‘The Braxtons’ every Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET on We TV to follow more of Toni Braxton’s journey and the lives of the Braxton family.
