HealthQuest

As we get older, it’s more important to take care of our hearts. Cardiovascular (heart) disease affects millions of people across the United States. Once considered a “man’s disease” medical professionals say that’s no longer the case. Knowing that you may have heart disease is the first step toward prevention and can help you stay healthy. Symptoms of cardiovascular disease can be deceptive. And often, denial is the first symptom a patient encounters. Many people experiencing symptoms tend to believe they are just having heartburn, or indigestion.

During a heart attack people usually feel gripping chest pain that spreads to the neck, shoulders or one or both arms. If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical help immediately:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attack pain begins in the middle of the chest and lasts for more than a few minutes. Sometimes it goes away, then returns. The discomfort can feel like a pressure, squeezing or fullness.
• Shortness of Breath. This often happens during the chest pain.
• Pain in the upper body. This can include discomfort in one or both arms, the back, stomach or jaw.
• Cold sweat, dizziness or nausea.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Make sure to visit your doctor regularly and ask him or her if your heart is healthy.

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