Preventive Care

In over 50 percent of patients, heart attacks have early symptoms or warning signs that go unnoticed and more often, untreated.

Heart attacks and cardiac arrest have beginnings, and it's important for you to know the signs and symptoms. Seeking early treatment when symptoms are mild will save lives.

Protecting your heart and future

Your heart is your body's engine, and controlling your risks with healthy habits is a smart way to curb your risk of heart disease, heart attack or Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

The American Heart Association has a variety of guidelines to ensure optimal heart health.

Get active. Exercise at least 30 minutes every day.
Control bad cholesterol. LDL (bad) cholesterol should be <70. HDL (good) cholesterol should be >40 for men and >50 for women.
Keep triglycerides low. These fat deposits are bad for your heart and should be <150.
Eat balanced. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, low fat dairy, fish and poultry are ideal for a healthy heart. Eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day, and less than 1500mg of sodium each day.
Manage blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Ask your physician about alternatives for lowering your blood pressure.
Lose weight. Obesity is a major independent risk factor for heart disease. Your target BMI should be <25, and aim for a waist circumference <40 inches (for men) and <35 inches (for women)
Reduce blood sugar. Blood sugar should be <100 mg/dL. Adults with diabetes are 2-4x more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
Stop smoking. Smoking increases blood pressure and constricts the vessels, which can great increase your chance of a cardiac event.
Know your medications. Always follow doctor's orders, and ask your doctor before starting a new medication. This includes:
- Aspirin
- Nitroglycerin
- Beta blocker
- Statin - cholesterol medicine
- Platelet inhibitor
- ACE (Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme) inhibitor
- ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker)

Manage Your Heart Disease

The American Heart Association has created a Life's Simple 7 list that are inexpensive and practical ways to lower your risk of heart disease and improve your health.

Life's Simple 7 Steps

Heart Attack Signs and Risk Factors

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Eighty-five percent of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack. Early heart attack care (EHAC) is knowing the subtle danger signs of a heart attack and acting upon them immediately, before damage occurs.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack happens when blood can't reach part of the heart due to plaque buildup or a blood clot. The heart muscle beyond the blockage is starved for oxygen and begins to die.

These artery blockages may be temporary, partial or complete and depending on the degree of damage, your heart may not beat normally and may not pump as well as before your heart attack.

Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Understanding your body's condition is key in knowing the signs and symptoms of a cardiac event. Classic symptoms of a heart attack or serious event include:

Tightness or squeezing discomfort behind your breastbone
Heaviness in the chest or chest pressure
Discomfort or pain in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder or upper back
A burning feeling under your breastbone (indigestion type)
Unusual shortness of breath or feeling very tired
Dizziness or light-headedness
Associated nausea or sweatiness

If you sense any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Urgent action saves thousands of lives every year.

Major Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Smoking or use of tobacco products
Diabetes
High cholesterol, including a high LDL (bad cholesterol) low HDL (good cholesterol) or high triglyceride levels
Sedentary lifestyle, or get little physical activity
Overweight
Family history of heart disease
Early menopause (before age 40)
Previous heart attack
High levels of stress, feeling little control over your environment
High Blood Pressure