|
 Much
of the heart disease that develops as we age is related
to the way we live. Risk factors include high blood
pressure, obesity, high blood cholesterol, diabetes,
tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle and a family history
of heart disease. Many risk factors are under your control.
You can lose weight, eat healthier, get moving and quit
smoking. There is scientific evidence that comprehensive
interventions can extend overall life, improve quality
of life, decrease the need for surgery and reduce the
incidence of future heart attacks.
- The leading cause of death in the U.S. for both
men and women.
- Over 70 million Americans (over 1 in 4) have some
form of cardiovascular disease.
- Cardiovascular diseases cause as many deaths as
accidents, cancer, infections and all other diseases
combined.
- Emergency Department visits for the evaluation of
chest pain exceed 5 million each year in the U.S.
- Of these, about 5 to 10% are confirmed as having
a heart attack, 20–25% are admitted with acute
coronary syndrome and 65–70% have non-cardiac
pain.
- Sometimes chest pain is a result of a benign condition.
- Early treatment of heart attack symptoms is extremely
important. With the heart, "time is muscle."
Warning Signs
- Pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the chest
lasting two minutes or longer.
- Pain radiating from the center of the chest to the
shoulders, neck, jaw or arms.
- Pain in the jaw or upper back.
- Shortness of breath, lightheadedness or fainting.
- Dizziness, nausea or vomiting.
- Intense sweating.
- Burning feeling in upper stomach or chest.
- Come to the Emergency Department at Mercy Medical
Center
- Call 911 – Do not drive yourself!
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