MANSFIELD, TX — When it comes to your heart, knowing the warning signs before you have a heart attack could save your life. Symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, or fatigue are the classic symptoms of a heart attack.
Outdoors NOW However, you may experience discomfort in the neck, jaw, arm or back, and women often exhibit vague symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion or heartburn. Call 9-1-1 immediately if there’s a chance you could be having a heart attack or if you’re experiencing symptoms for more than five minutes.
Women, take your health to heart! It’s not only a man’s disease. While medical advances have improved survival rates, heart disease claims more women’s lives than any other medical condition. One of the most important things to know about heart disease is if it is detected early, it can often be successfully treated. You can do that by getting regular checkups by your physician and knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose numbers.
It is important to stay fit and take care of yourself and your heart. Defend yourself against heart disease by avoiding tobacco, exercising and eating healthy. Smoking doubles your risk of developing heart disease; regular exercise will help lower your Outdoors NOW risk of heart disease. Eat healthfully — at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables along with whole grains, will also lower your risk. While it may seem overwhelming at first to live a heart-healthy life, small improvements can make a big difference.
Don’t take good health for granted. See your physician and discuss your risks and learn how to keep your heart healthy. Prevention is our best defense against heart disease.
Written by Angel Biasatti, Director Community Relations and Marketing Methodist Mansfield Medical Center