American Heart Month
Editor’s Note: Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming the lives of more than 650,000 people each year. February is American Heart Month, a time when LW residents can focus on their cardiovascular health. Read on for steps everyone can take to mitigate heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, smoking, being overweight or obese and type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular disease, listed as the underlying cause of death, accounted for 874,613 deaths in the United States in 2019. Approximately every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. will have a myocardial infarction. On average in 2019, someone died of stroke every 3 minutes, 30 seconds, in the United States, according to statistics from the American Heart Association.
Heart disease prevention is possible. Making healthier lifestyle choices— like quitting smoking— can reduce the chances of developing heart disease. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself.
Fact No. 1: Heart disease kills more than 600,000 Americans every year.
Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for Americans. Thankfully, heart disease is often preventable and can be treated by making healthier lifestyle choices.
Fact No. 2: Chest discomfort or a heart attack is the first sign of heart disease.
Heart attack symptoms often include discomfort in the center of the chest that may last for a few minutes or comes and goes. It can feel like squeezing, uncomfortable pressure, fullness or pain. Shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness and nausea are also heart attack symptoms.
Fact No. 3: Some people are born with heart disease.
A congenital heart defect starts at birth. Doctors are still puzzled as to why a baby might have a congenital heart defect, though it tends to be hereditary. Most of these heart disease issues include leaky valves or structural issues like holes in the heart.
Fact No. 4: Unhealthy habits contribute to heart disease.
Not getting enough exercise, unhealthy eating and smoking increase your chance of developing heart disease. Additionally, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol are other factors that can increase your risk. Speak with your doctor about prevention measures.
Fact No. 5: Time is of the essence when someone is having a heart attack.
Heart attack victims can have sudden loss of responsiveness or may be unable to breathe normally. Loss of oxygen to the brain and heart can cause permanent damage, so calling 9-1-1 immediately is critical. EMS staff can start treatment upon arrival, often up to an hour sooner than if you drove yourself to the hospital.
Fact No. 6: Women have the less typical heart attack signs.
According to Mayo Clinic, women are somewhat more likely than men to experience less common symptoms and signs, like neck or jaw pain prior to having a heart attack.
Fact No. 7: The most common heart disease is coronary artery disease.
This disease develops when the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, nutrients and oxygen become diseased or damaged. Plaque build-up in arteries causes inflammation, which can often lead to coronary artery disease. This build-up happens over a number of years, and most people don’t notice a problem until they have a heart attack or large blockage in the arteries that requires surgery.
