February is American Heart Month, which is a good time to learn the facts about heart disease. Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

Learn the Facts About Heart Disease:

• Cardiovascular Diseases claims more lives annually than all forms of cancers combined.
• In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds. Every 60 seconds, someone in the United States dies from a heart disease-related event.
• About one-third of cardiovascular disease deaths occurred before age 75.
• Heart failure affects well over 5 million U.S. adults.

Early Action is Important for Heart Attack

Know the warning signs and symptoms of a Heart attack so that you can act fast if you or someone you know might be having a heart attack. The chances of survival are greater when emergency treatment begins quickly. In fact, at least 200,000 deaths from heart disease and stroke each year are preventable. However, the symptoms of heart disease can differ in women and men, and are most often misunderstood. For heart health, early action is key. Learn the warning signs today!

Heart Attacks Have Several Major Warning Signs and Symptoms:

• Chest Pain or Discomfort
• Upper Body Pain
• Discomfort in the Arms, Back, Neck, Jaw or Upper Stomach
• Shortness of Breath
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Cold Sweats

If you’re experience any of these symptoms, please call 911 immediately.

Is Your Heart at Risk?
Half of all US adults have at least one major risk factor for heart disease, which doubles your risk.

• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Obesity
• Tobacco Use

Show Your Heart Some Love!

• Eat a Heart Healthy Diet- Make nutritious choices that are low in fat and salt
• Maintain a Healthy Weight- Carrying extra weight around puts stress on your heart
• Stop Smoking Cigarettes- Cigarette smoke harms blood vessels and increases your chance of developing heart disease.
• Exercise Regularly- Exercising every day for at least 30 minutes will drastically reduce your chance of developing chronic heart disease.
• Visit Your Doctor- A routine physical will help make sure you’re in line for optimum heart health.

Resources:

• https://www.cardiosmart.org/heart-basics/cvd-stats
• https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
• http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/cardiovascular_diseases/cardiovascular_disease_statistics_85,P00243/
• https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/heartdisease-stroke/

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