For Those You Love – Know the Heart Attack Signs
We often see that cute shape that symbolizes love - the heart. The human heart’s actual connection to love is debatable, but there’s little doubt that a healthy heart is an amazing pump! It beats about 100,000 times to pump nearly 2,000 gallons of blood each day. It pushes blood through vessels that stretch over 60,000 miles! Enough to go around the Earth twice – and more!
When Things Go Wrong
Each year about 785,000 Americans have a first heart attack. Another 470,000 have a repeat heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America.
You may save a life by knowing the heart attack symptoms and calling 9-1-1 immediately if you see them:
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
- Feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint. Chest pain or discomfort.
- Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
- Shortness of breath.
Help Things Go Right
To help reduce your risk of heart disease:
- Eat a healthy diet – plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.
- Choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Keep a healthy weight – see the guidelines on healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly – at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week is a good goal.
- Don’t smoke.
- Limit alcohol use.
» Learn more about heart disease from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.