American Heart Month: February Means Heart Disease Awareness!

by Janice Forostiak, Marketing Department

February means Valentine's Day and chocolate hearts for the romantics among us, but did you know that it is also recognized as American Heart Month by the American Heart Association? Following is some great information to pass along to friends and family. We hope you'll take it to heart!

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The month of February is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and increasing knowledge about prevention. Educate yourself on the dangers of heart disease and get on track to better heart health here!

Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attacks and Strokes!Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of adult death – far exceeding cancer, respiratory disease, and infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria – even in developing countries. The risk factors for cardiovascular disease are many and include:
• Men > 40 Years - High Blood Pressure
• Women > 50 Years - High Cholesterol
• Obesity - Menopause
• Sedentary Lifestyle -Tobacco Smoking
• Diabetes

Cardiovascular disease has been identified as a major contributing factor to many cases of cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest – Each year in the United States alone, sudden cardiac arrest accounts for more than 350,000 deaths – almost 1000 deaths per day. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when a patient’s heart suddenly stops beating normally. This causes blood and oxygen to stop flowing to the brain. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for 4-6 minutes, it will begin to die. Once brain death occurs, the patient can no longer be saved. However, if bystanders recognize cardiac arrest and begin CPR immediately, their chest compressions can reestablish blood flow to the brain, preventing brain death and buying the patient valuable time.

Immediate initiation of CPR and use of an AED within 3-5 minutes may increase the victim’s survival rate to over 80%!!

Heart Attack Symptoms (blockage in a blood vessel in the heart) • Chest pain – dull, crushing, burning
• Back Pain – upper or lower
• Pain in either arm
• Pain that radiates from one area to another – ie. Back or chest to neck and/or jaw
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Cold, clammy sweat
• Feeling of fullness or indigestion
• Mental distraction or “disconnect”
• Increased foot or hand pain (diabetics)
• Denial

1. Always call 911 for any suspected heart attack – time is critical!
2. Have the patient sit comfortably or lie down and rest.
3. Ask the patient to cough forcefully at regular intervals.
4. If the patient is conscious, can swallow and is not allergic to aspirin, have him/her chew and swallow one 325mg aspirin tablet (or four 81 mg baby aspirin)
5. Be prepared to start the steps of CPR and use an AED

Stroke Symptoms (blockage in a blood vessel or bleeding into the brain) • Loss of balance
• Paralysis or loss of muscle control on one side of the body
• Facial droop
• Slurred, unintelligible or inappropriate speech
• Altered mental status
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
• Blurred vision
• Eye Pain

1. Always call 911 for a suspected stroke! Treatments must begin within 3 hours of the first onset of symptoms.
2. Never administer aspirin if a stroke is suspected.
3. Be prepared to start the steps of CPR and use an AED.


For more heart-healthy tips from the American Heart Association, go to www.heart.org.