Trevor Atherley, MD, FACC FRCP (C)
February has been celebrated as American Heart Month since 1964 following a proclamation by President Johnson two months earlier. The American Heart Association supports this decision, which reminds us to focus on our hearts and to encourage friends, family and communities to improve their health by choosing heart healthy lifestyles
Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, workplace, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we join forces with others.
Cardiovascular disease includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels and accounts for more deaths annually in the USA, than all forms of cancer and chronic lung disease combined.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the USA claiming 695,000 lives each year, that is 1 of every 5 deaths. Heart attacks are the most notable form of heart disease; every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a heart attack and 1 of every 5 heart attacks occurs without the person being aware of it.
Half of all African American adult men and women have some form of heart and cardiovascular disease. Heart disease affects men and women almost equally, in fact fewer women than men survive their first heart attack.
It is important therefore for us all to recognize and adopt methods of diminishing our chances of developing heart disease and where heart disease is already present to minimize death and suffering caused by it. About 90 percent of middle-aged people have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk of heart disease.
WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK
Catch the signs early
Don’t wait to get help if you experience any of these heart attack warning signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.
Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Sometimes heart attacks may occur with uncommon symptoms.
- Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Symptoms vary between men and women
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain (angina) or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Learn the signs for heart attack and remember: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out.
Minutes matter. Fast action can save lives - maybe your own.
Call 911 if you experience heart attack warning signs. Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.
An emergency medical services (EMS) team can begin treatment when they arrive – up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.
For many reasons, it’s best to call 911 so that an experienced EMS team can begin treatment and arrange rapid transport to the emergency room.
Why don’t people act fast enough
Many people having a heart attack wait more than two hours before getting help. Some people feel it would be embarrassing to have a “false alarm.” Others are so afraid of having a heart attack that they tell themselves they aren’t having one. These feelings are easy to understand, but they’re also very dangerous. If you or someone close to you shows signs of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and get help right away!
How can I help to avoid a heart attack?
1 Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
2 Treat high blood pressure if you have it.
3 Eat foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium (salt) and added sugars.
4 Be physically active.
5 Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
6 Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
7 Get regular medical check-ups.
8 Take medicine as prescribed.
You don’t have to make big changes all at once. Small steps will get you where you want to go.
