FEBRURARY is National Heart Health Month

Protect Your Ticker

Learn Heart Health

Hey Y'all,

In honor of February being National Heart Health Month, I'll explain common heart conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac arrests and ways to care for your ticker. 

To learn more about cardiovascular diseases, or to volunteer, learn CPR, or to donate, visit the AHA or American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/ 

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Did Y'all know that: 

• coronary heart disease, which includes heart attacks, is the numero uno (Number 1) cause of death in the US?

• about every 40 seconds someone in the United States will have a heart attack? 

That's insane, isn't it? Especially considering that many of those heart attack deaths can be prevented.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when blood flow that brings oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscles is severely reduced or cut off. This is because of buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances like plaque that narrows the coronary arteries. 

This process is called Atherosclerosis.

When plague in a heart artery breaks open, a blood clot forms. That clot can then block blood flow. When it completely stops blood flow to part of the heart muscle, that portion of the muscle begins to die.

Damage increases the longer an artery stays blocked and once some of the heart muscle dies, permanent heart damage will happen.

The amount of damage to the heart muscle depends on the size of the area supplied by the blocked artery and the time between injury and treatment. 

To reduce heart damage, the blocked artery should be opened ASAP!

Atherosclerosis 

This develops over time and often has no symptoms until enough damage has lessened blood flow to your heart muscle. That means you usually can't feel it happening until blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked.

Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack is critical so you can act fast to get help to save your life or someone else's.

Although some attacks are sudden and intense, most start off slowly with mild pain or discomfort. 

Signs of a heart attack include:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest, lasting more than a few minutes or it goes away and comes back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If You Suspect A Heart Attack...

even if you're not 100% sure, call 911 or your local emergency medical services (EMS), like the fire department, immediately. 

EMS staff can begin treatment when they arrive which is much sooner than if you tried driving by car! 

*Note: People suffering from chest pain that arrive at the hospital by ambulance usually get faster treatment.

Random Heart FACTS

1. Many people having a heart attack wait more than 3 hours before seeking help

They are embarrassed to have a "false alarm" or are so afraid of having a heart attack they tell themselves they aren't having one. Don't Delay. Call 911 and Get Help Right Away!

2. Black Americans are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white Americans

The reason for the increased prevalence of heart disease in these populations is a combination of genetic, environmental and social factors. So, it’s important to continue to spread awareness about the risk factors, signs and symptoms of heart disease for all those who may be at risk.

How to Reduce Your Risks For a Heart Attack

The key to heart disease prevention is to focus on managing your risk factors and “knowing your numbers.” That means having regular check-ups with your physician so that you know your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index or BMI. 

By doing this, you can be aware if or when your risk factors become concerning, and you can make an early intervention.

Even if you already have heart disease, you can do alot to improve your heart health. Work with your health care team to reduce your risk. Some steps you can take include:

• not smoking/vaping, and avoiding secondhand smoke
• treating your high blood pressure, if you have it
• eating a heart healthy diet that's low in saturated and trans fats, sodium and added sugars
• move regularly during the day; at least 150 mins of continuous physical activity a week
• reach and maintain a healthy weight
• control your blood sugar if you have diabetes
• get an average of 7-9 hours of sleep a night
• manage your stress
• take medications as prescribed and see your healthcare provider for regular checkups!

Should I Visit a Cardiologist?

Your primary care provider can help manage your risk factors to reduce the possibility of developing heart disease. 

However, once you have a diagnosis of heart disease or if you have poorly controlled risk factors, such as dangerously high blood pressure, it is important to see a cardiologist, if one is available to you.

A cardiologist can help focus on the in-depth management of your cardiovascular health and can tailor therapy and medications specifically toward your disease process.

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Y'all take care of yourselves and your hearts! 

EM

References:

 Warning Signs of a Heart Attack | American Heart Association

Heart disease and racial disparities: Why heart disease is more common in Black patients and how to prevent it - UChicago Medicine