Warning! Warning! Do You Know if You Are Having a Heart Attack?

   Heart disease can mean a lot of different things but can be life threatening. Heart disease is an over arching term that refers to a range of diseases that can affect your heart. Some of these these diseases include coronary artery disease, various heart rhythm problems, and conditions that affect the heart muscle or valves. The term "cardiovascular disease" is also an interchangeable word for heart disease. In 2006, there were an estimated 81,100,000 cases of heart disease in the United States. Of those cases, 73,600,000 were related to high blood pressure, being the greatest cause. Coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure were following causes of heart disease in the United States.

   In Missouri, it is estimated the 85.6% of the population cannot correctly identify the warning signs of heart attack. Therefore, it is important to educate the public in the signs and symptoms of possible heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, the warning signs of heart attack are as followed: chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Other signs include: cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness. The Mayo Clinic explains that cardiovascular disease can sometimes be diagnosed prior to heart attack if a person discusses any chest pains, shortness of breath, and/or pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms with their doctor. Even though the common warning signs of heart attack were listed before, it is possible that men and women experience different symptoms. Men often feel the chest pain and discomfort where as women tend to experience more shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain than men. However, this does not mean any person, male or female, cannot experience certain symptoms. It is possible to feel all or just a few.

    When a person is having a heart attack there are two ways the heart attack can present itself. The first way is sudden and intense. There is very little doubt that a person is having a heart attack with this type of heart attack. On the other hand, most of the time a person experiences chest pain that comes on slowly. Often the person is confused as to what may be going on. This is the most dangerous part. It is important to act quickly if you think you are experiencing a heart attack.

   If a person thinks they are experiencing a heart attack the most important thing to do is seek medical attention. A person should dial 9-1-1 immediately if they are experiencing chest pains with one or more other symptoms. EMT's are able to deliver lifesaving treatments quickly. It is important to know not to drive yourself to the emergency room (ER) or doctor's office if you think you are experiencing a heart attack. Also, never let someone else who thinks they are experiencing a heart attack drive. Always call 9-1-1 rather than driving.

   Though it is important, if not lifesaving, to know the warning signs of heart disease, it is also important to know how to prevent heart disease and heart attack. If you can take measures to prevent heart attack then you will decrease your chances of experiencing a heart attack. The Mayo Clinic suggests the following five measures to prevent heart disease and heart attack: (1)do not smoke or use tobacco products, (2)get active, (3)eat heart healthy, (4)maintain a healthy weight, and (5)get regular health screenings.

   The use of tobacco products is currently the leading preventable cause of disease in the United Sates. From 1964 to 2004, there were about 5.5 million deaths from cardiovascular disease linked with cigarette smoking. There are two main reasons why smoking cigarettes contribute to heart disease. The first is that there is more than 4,800 chemicals in cigarettes that cause damage to the heart and blood vessels. The second is that the nicotine in cigarettes cause the heart to work harder by raising blood pressure and and increasing the heart rate.

   According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, inactivity is the greatest risk factor for heart disease. Getting 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily helps maintain a healthy weight and reduce the chances of doing damage to your heart. Inactivity can aid in the development of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. These three conditions can increase your risk for heart disease. Exercising and eating right are great ways to decrease risks for heart disease. To eat heart healthy, here are eight tips that can help: limit saturated and trans fats as well as cholesterol, choose low-fat protein (or lean meats), eat more fruit and veggies, get whole grain, reduce salt usage, control portion sizes, create menus, and do not over eat sweets.

   Seeing a doctor for regular health screening can decrease the risk of heart disease because conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure can be detected early. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at the very least every two years. Cholesterol levels should be checked every five years or more frequently if there is a strong family history.

   Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of heart attack and dialing 9-1-1 could save your life. Do not add to the statistic, follow the five steps to prevention listed above!  

References

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2009). Heart disease: Definition. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/DS01120

1.American Heart Assoication.(2010). Cardiovascular disease statistics.Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.learn.gwtg.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4478

State of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. (2007). Heart disease profile- for Missouri residents. Retrived on October 3, 2010 from http://www.dhss.mo.gov/ASPsHeartDisease/header.php?cnty=929

3.Ameaican Heart Association. (2010). Warning signs of heart attack, stroke, & cardiac arrest. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/General/911---Warnings- Signs-of-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_305346_SubHomePage.jsp

2.Mayo Clinic Staff. (2009). Heart disease: Symptoms. Retrieved on OCtober 3, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/DS01120/DSECTION=symptoms

2.American Heart Assoication. (2010). Heart attack symptoms and warning signs. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4595

3.Mayo Clinic Staff. (2009). Heart disease: 5 medication-free strategies to help prevent heart disease. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease- prevention/WO00041

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2010). NIDA infofacts: Cigarettes and other tobacco products. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/Tobacco.html

Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Heart disease facts. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-healthy-diet/NU00196

German, J. (2005). Preventative health care. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.sh.lsuhsc.edu/fammed/OutpatientManual/PrevenHealthCare.htm