American Heart Month

February is National Heart Month and during this month we’ll see advertisements on TV, in magazines, and online reminding us of the warning signs of a heart attack. While many symptoms are the same for both men and women, there are a few warning signs that are much more common for women than men. Your health, or that of a loved one, depends on you knowing these signs.

 

Warning Signs

American Heart Association’s warning signs of a heart attack:

For men…

  • • Chest pain or discomfort which can also feel like pressure or squeezing
  • • Chest pain that comes and goes
  • • Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, or jaw
  • • Shortness of breath
  • • Experiencing nausea or stomach pain
  • • Becoming lightheaded
  • • Becoming clammy or breaking out into a sweat

For women…

  • • Chest pain or discomfort which can also feel like pressure or squeezing
  • • Chest pain that comes and goes
  • • Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, or neck
  • • Jaw pain – more common for women
  • • Shortness of breath – more common for women
  • • Experiencing nausea and vomiting – more common for women
  • • Becoming lightheaded
  • • Becoming clammy or breaking out into a sweat

 

Addressing Heart Health

There are many different ways to take stock of your heart health:

  • • Know your family medical history
  • • Get a physical
  • • Start a regular exercise program
  • • Adopt a heart healthy diet (see Mayo Clinic suggestions below)
  • • If you smoke, quit
  • • Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels

 

Healthy Eating

Mayo Clinic‘s tips for eating a heart-healthy diet:

  • • Control portion size
  • • Eat more fruits and vegetables
  • • Eat whole grains
  • • Limit unhealthy fats
  • • Limit sodium intake
  • • Eat lean cuts of meat and fish
  • • Meal plan
  • • Limit treats, but enjoy occasionally

 

Celebrating Heart Health During February

Ways to celebrate National Heart Month:

  • • Participate in a virtual running or cycling event to support heart health
  • • Take a CPR certification course
  • Wear red on February 4th to support women’s heart health
  • • Attend a virtual health and fitness expo or conference
  • • Organize an online heart health screening for your office
  • • Make a donation to a charitable organization researching cures for heart disease

 

As with so many other diseases, diet and exercise play a huge role in maintaining a healthy heart. February is the perfect time to focus on lifestyle changes that will keep your heart healthy. Do it for yourself and for the ones you love!

 

Questions:
  • • Do you have a healthy heart?
  • • Are you CPR certified?
  • • What is your favorite heart-healthy meal?