February signals American Heart Month, a crucial time to spotlight the heart health of women, given that heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. According to the CDC, it claims the lives of 1 in every 5 females, surpassing all forms of cancer combined. Alarmingly, only about half of U.S. women recognize this top health threat. While heart disease impacts females of all ages, the risk increases notably after menopause.
Talking to healthcare professionals is essential, but awareness is the first step toward proactive health management. Social media offers a unique avenue for education, especially through figures like Dr. ShantaQuilette Develle. With an impressive 1.5 million followers on Instagram, she has established herself as a leading source for women’s health conversations, focusing heavily on menopause and heart health. This influence has allowed her to emerge as a sought-after speaker, bestselling author, and cultural storyteller.
Dr. Develle’s authority is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Her life drastically shifted after she survived both a heart attack and a stroke, the latter occurring while she was employed at the IRS. A former tax and forensic accountant, she redirected her career toward advocacy and wellness following her health crises.
What sets Dr. ShantaQuilette apart is her ability to engage audiences with humor while imparting critical insights. Her storytelling transcends personal anecdotes, infusing urgency and clarity into discussions about women’s heart health, especially concerning Black women’s health, prevention, and survivorship.
A prominent advocate for women’s health equity, Dr. Develle currently serves on the American Heart Association’s Board of Advisors, where she works to enhance dialogues surrounding systemic change, workplace wellness, and cardiovascular prevention strategies. Her impact is profound, with a digital reach of over 4.26 million followers and more than a billion global impressions, spanning platforms such as the World Economic Forum in Davos.
As February recognizes both American Heart Month and Black History Month, it is fitting to delve deeper into Dr. Develle’s journey. Her experience of survival is intricately linked to broader conversations that aim to inform, challenge, and ultimately save lives.
Let’s dive right into a turning point in your story – having a heart attack and a stroke. What was going through your mind during this experience, and what did it wake up in you?
Dr. Develle recounts, “First of all… confusion. Because nobody tells women what a heart attack actually looks like. They show a man grabbing his chest like he just saw his ex at Thanksgiving. That was not my story.” Despite functioning and working, her initial thought was not one of impending danger; instead, it was, “I don’t have time for this.” This reaction underscores societal conditioning towards the relentless pursuit of productivity.
However, during her stroke, a transformative realization took hold. “It woke up urgency. It woke up discernment. It woke up purpose.” Dr. Develle recognized that life doesn’t provide advance notice before significant change. “God didn’t just spare me. He amplified me,” she states, emphasizing the pivotal change in her narrative.
What changes did you make in your life following the stroke and heart attack?
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Develle mentions, “Oh, everything.” Key changes included:
- Revamping her diet
- Listening to her body and not ignoring symptoms
- Setting boundaries against unnecessary stress
She successfully reversed stage two diabetes, lowered her cholesterol, and shed over 160 pounds through medically supervised care and lifestyle changes. Today, Dr. Develle prioritizes physical activity, mental peace, and personal health management, proclaiming, “I became the CEO of my health.”
What lessons did you learn about taking care of your health that you share with others today?
Her key health lessons resonate with many:
- Your body whispers before it screams.
- Stress is not a personality trait; it’s inflammation with good PR.
- Just because you can push through doesn’t mean you should.
- Advocacy is essential; if something feels wrong, it probably is.
Dr. Develle emphasizes that faith and discipline go hand-in-hand, reminding us, “You cannot out-pray poor habits.” Her personal struggle with misdiagnosis for eight years taught her the importance of asking better questions and demanding thorough care.
You now have a massive following on your social platforms, using humor and relatable insights to engage with others about their health and wellbeing. What is your favorite type of content to create?
Dr. Develle expresses her preference for content that first makes people laugh and then prompts reflection. “I love doing skits with my son. I love everyday mom moments. I love when people say, ‘I came for the joke and left scheduling my cardiology appointment,’” she shares.
This connection is vital; if she can induce laughter, she can also break down defenses, enabling important truths to resonate.
Also, we have to know… did you get that 50 million yet?
While she hasn’t yet reached the financial milestone, Dr. Develle maintains a positive outlook. “I wake up like I already did, because impact is currency too,” she asserts. “The real flex is being alive. The real flex is helping women avoid what almost took me out.”
Why is humor a key ingredient in reaching people? And how do you incorporate it into other forms of storytelling and speaking in your work today?
Dr. Develle emphasizes humor’s role in alleviating fear. “You can tell someone ‘heart disease is the leading cause of death in women’ and they’ll scroll. But if I say, ‘Sis, your heart is not a backup singer. It’s the lead,’ now you’re listening.” By weaving humor throughout her presentations—whether keynotes, panels, or podcasts—she uncovers the humanity in difficult topics, making them more accessible.
Laughter, she notes, lowers defenses, facilitating healing and connection.
You also advocate strongly for Black women’s health and wellness. Why is it important for Black women especially to be advocates for their own health in the current American system?
Given the alarming statistics, it’s crucial for Black women to advocate for their health. They are statistically more likely to succumb to heart disease and often face dismissal in medical scenarios, with many experiencing their symptoms being attributed to stress rather than legitimate health concerns.
Dr. Develle encourages inquiries, seeking second opinions, and understanding one’s own health metrics as critical aspects of self-advocacy. She passionately emphasizes, “Advocacy is not attitude; it’s survival.” With her personal experience echoing this sentiment, she insists, “No one will care about your body the way you do.”
For anyone visiting your social platforms for the first time and getting to know your story, what do you want them to take away and implement in their own life?
Dr. Develle aims to instill three critical beliefs:
- It’s never too late to reinvent yourself.
- Your health is your personal responsibility.
- Joy is an essential component of wellbeing—it’s not optional.
She emphasizes that laughter, learning, and dialogue are the foundation for building a supportive community. Her journey illustrates that survival from adversity can lead to a louder, wiser, and more vibrant existence.
Stay updated with Dr. ShantaQuilette Develle on Instagram for valuable insights and a refreshing dose of humor on women’s health and wellness along with engaging discussions.
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