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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/14/2017 5:00:00 PM CENTRAL
Updated: 2/14/2017 10:13:39 AM CENTRAL
For more information, contact Christina Garcia.
Take February to Heart
Amanda Rothe, RD/LD/CDE

Amanda Rothe, RD/LD/CDE
Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator
Medina Healthcare System
830-426-7777 /fax 830426-7485

Take February to Heart

As we continue in February with American Heart Month, you may wonder how simply raising awareness about heart disease can make a difference.   Heart disease is referred to as the “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms or presents pain that is barely noticeable.  Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most of them start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. By raising awareness of heart disease, we can help people detect or prevent heart health issues.   The American Heart Association is a great resource available to review signs and symptoms for a heart attack or stroke. 

Heart Attack Warning Signs

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath. This may occur with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. 

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. 

Stroke Warning Signs

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination

• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Dial 9-1-1 FAST

Heart attack and stroke are life-or-death emergencies — every second counts. If you suspect you or someone you are with has any of the symptoms of heart attack or stroke immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number so an ambulance can be sent. Don’t delay — get help right away! 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news is that heart disease can often be prevented by making healthier choices.   

Take Care of Your Heart

  • Limit or avoid foods like bacon, sausages, fatty meats, butter, ice cream and other full-fat dairy foods. 
  • Unsaturated fat have been shown to be beneficial for cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. Foods like olive oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts and seeds contain unsaturated fat.
  • Increase Fruits and Vegetables –high in fiber, antioxidants and many important vitamins and nutrients and help keep blood pressure in check.
  • If you are overweight or obese, gradual weight loss offers the best results for overall health. Get at least 30 minutes of regular exercise most days of the week; this will help with weight loss and keep your heart beating strongly.
  • Stop Smoking

Last year, many of the 795,000 Americans suffering a stroke did not get the right lifesaving treatment in time.  Early stroke detection leads to better patient outcomes.  The Medina Healthcare System’s Emergency Department is here for you and your family when seconds count.  The telestroke program in the Emergency Department uses state-of-the-art robotic technology to connect patients to a neurologist 24/7/365 to facilitate early stroke diagnosis and treatment.  If indicated, clot-busting medications can be administered in a timely manner for optimal stroke care.  If you have questions about this or other healthcare services, please contact The Medina Healthcare System at 830-426-7700.