Toni Braxton began her run as the new spokesperson for the American Heart Association at the kick off of National Heart Month, which was held Thursday at Woman's Day Presents the 5th Annual "The Red Dress Awards" inside Manhattan's Time Warner Center.

"I am here because I'm the spokesperson this year for the American Heart Association and because I'm a survivor," Braxton told People magazine. "I have heart disease, and I found out about five or four years ago."

While starring in Broadway's Aida, Braxton was diagnosed with pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart. "And," she said, "I've also been diagnosed with hypertension.       

"I was disappointed. I didn't get it," she said of her condition. The star of song and stage said the diagnosis forced her to make lifestyle and diet changes.      

Now, she says, "I eat relatively well, but sometimes having those pizzas and burgers late at night – I had to change that."