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February is Heart Health Awareness Month

Do You Know the Symptoms of a Heart Attack Can Differ in Men and Women? 

Every 34 seconds in the United States, an adult dies from cardiovascular disease (CVD). These are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and friends—all gone because of a disease that is largely preventable. CVD impacts all racial and ethnic groups and is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. Prevention of CVD is the most important thing, and awareness of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack is just as important. signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but others 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.
  • 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.

Heart attack symptoms vary between men and women. Chest discomfort or pain is the most common. But women may experience other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attack, such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Minutes matter. Fast action can save lives – maybe your own. Call 911 if you experience heart attack warning signs. It’s almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Try to stay as calm as possible and take deep, slow breaths while you wait for the emergency responders. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital.

Prevent Heart Disease with Healthy Habits

Have you heard that physical activity “gets your heart pumping”? Well, it’s true! But it also helps keep your heart strong and healthy for a lifetime. Physical activity can sound like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be. You can choose simple activities you really enjoy — or find ways to add more movement to things you have to do anyway. Anytime you’re moving your body, you’re protecting your heart. And it’s never too late to get started. Learn More>

Healthy eating is key to a healthy heart — but it’s not always easy. The good news is that healthy ingestion isn’t all or nothing. You don’t need to follow a fad diet or change your whole eating routine overnight. You can start with small changes that work for you to experience benefits like boosting your immunity, strengthening your bones, and helping your digestive system function. And remember it’s never too late to take a step toward better heart health. Learn More>

High blood pressure affects a lot more than just your heart — it can impact your whole body, head to toe. But there are lots of things you can do to keep it in a healthy range. Learn More>

Want to lower your risk for heart attack or stroke? Getting your cholesterol checked is a great first step. A doctor can tell you what your cholesterol levels are, and there are plenty of small steps you can take to keep it in check. Learn More>

Did you know that high blood sugar is bad news for your heart? And managing blood sugar isn’t just for people with diabetes — it’s important for everyone to be aware of blood sugar and take steps to keep it in a healthy range. Learn More>

If you sometimes put off going to the doctor, you’re not alone. But working with a doctor can be a huge win for your heart health. And now is the perfect time to start. Remember, doctors and other medical professionals are here to keep you healthy. And you have a right to get the care you need from someone who’s on your side. So find a doctor you like and trust, and start working together to get your heart health on track. Learn More>

Life can be stressful. Work, finances, health problems, parenting… the list goes on! Basically, if you’re alive, you’ve got some stress going on — and you can’t always control the things that stress you out. But you can control how you manage your stress. Learning ways to cope with long-term stress can protect your health and lower your risk for heart problems. Learn More>

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It might take several tries before you quit for good. But you can do it—and the benefits for your health will be huge. No matter how long you’ve been smoking, it’s never too late to quit. Commit to taking this key step for your heart health and get the help you need to stay smokefree. Learn More>

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