Presbyterian | Your Story | Centennial Care | Winter 2021

www.phs.org/centennialcare 7 February is American Heart Month. This gives us a specific time during the year to remind people to focus on their heart health. If you haven’t yet, talk to your provider about your heart health and ways you can reduce your risk for heart disease. Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the U.S. is coronary artery disease, which affects blood flow to the heart and can cause a heart attack. Heart disease can affect both men and women and can happen at any age, though the risk goes up as you get older. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity are some risk factors for heart disease. In addition to certain health conditions, there are also lifestyle choices that may increase your risk of heart disease. These can include a poor diet, a lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and misuse of alcohol. If you have a family history of heart disease, let your provider know and keep an eye on any health and behavioral factors that could lead to heart disease. By speaking with your provider about any concerns you may have and choosing healthy habits, you can lower your risk of heart disease. Choose healthy food and drinks, stay active, maintain a healthy weight, don’t smoke, and work with your provider to keep any medical conditions under control. Know the signs of a heart attack Heart problems can sneak up on you and can occur without much warning. New chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, but it is not the only sign. Possible signs you or someone around you is experiencing a heart attack include: • Tightness in your chest • Shortness of breath • Pain or a squeezing feeling in your left chest or left arm; this pain can also go up into your jaw • Sudden nausea or vomiting • Light-headedness or dizziness If you or someone else is experiencing any of these symptoms and you think it could be a heart attack, call 911 right away. To read more about American Heart Month and for more tips on preventing heart disease, please visit the American Heart Association’s website at www.heart.org . Know the signs of heart disease