Heart Health

February is American Heart Health Month!
February is the perfect time to begin to focus on your heart.

Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s leading cause of death every year. Millions of Americans die every year from heart-related illnesses that can be prevented. Heart conditions contribute to millions more experiencing life-threatening incidents every day.

What conditions can affect your heart health?

• Multiple conditions can affect the health of your heart such as:
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Congenital heart problems
• Inherited heart conditions

Symptoms may vary depending on your sex:
Men                                                                          

• Chest pain (mild or severe)                                        
• Pain in the neck, jaw, or arms                                           
• Shortness of breath                                                    
• Heartburn or indigestion                                           
• Sweating                                                                      
• Unrelieved pressure or vague chest discomfort                                      
• Nausea and vomiting 
• “Squeezing” feeling in the chest       

 
Women

• Pain/discomfort between shoulder blades
• Unexplained fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Dizziness
• Indigestion or pressure in the chest
• Neck and/or jaw pain
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feelings of impending doom
• No symptoms at all

How can you help prevent disease of the heart?

• Eating heart-healthy foods
• Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes
• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor
• Keep regular check-up appointments with your Healthcare Provider
• Monitor and control your blood pressure
• Identify heart diseases affecting closely related family members
• Report episodes of symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible
• Go to the Emergency Room for evaluation if symptoms persist
• DO NOT IGNORE YOUR SYMPTOMS REGARDLESS OF YOUR AGE!

Identifying and treating underlying heart problems is a great first step to taking control of your heart health. Be aware of symptoms you may be experiencing and report them to your doctor at the first onset. Delaying treatment of symptoms can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, heart disease, and even death. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about concerning symptoms you may have.
MAKE TODAY THE FIRST DAY OF YOUR HEART HEALTH JOURNEY!