Heart Disease and Stroke

"Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Together, heart disease and stroke are among the most widespread and costly health problems facing the Nation today, accounting for more than $500 billion in health care expenditures and related expenses in 2010 alone. Fortunately, they are also among the most preventable."*

There are six major modifiable risk factors for heart disease and stroke:

Signs and Symptoms of an Impending Heart Attack

“A Heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped.”**

Every 34 seconds, a heart attack strikes someone.

It is important to know signs and symptoms in case a heart attack occurs.

• Shortness of Breath
• Chest Discomfort
• Possible discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Cold sweat
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness

You may not know if it’s a heart attack, because sometimes the signs and symptoms are so mild, but if you have even the slightest worry, get it checked out! Other times, heart attacks can be obvious, and fast actions save lives! CALL 9-1-1 as soon as possible! Time is vital.

Both men and women will usually have chest pain, but women are more likely to have some of the other signs and symptoms, particularly back or jaw pain, shortness of breath, and nausea/vomiting.

Know the signs, save lives, call 9-1-1.

Stroke Prevention

Did you know 80% of all strokes are preventable?  Studies have shown that the risk of having a stroke can be significantly reduced by working with your healthcare team.

How do I know I’m at risk for a stroke?
Know the Risk Factors; you are more likely to have a stroke if you have any of the following conditions:

Non-modifiable Risk Factors:

• Age- individuals over 55 are at greater risk to have a stroke
• Gender- females have a slightly higher risk than males to have a stroke
• Race/Ethnicity: African American and Hispanic/Latino Americans are at a greater risk.

Modifiable Risk Factors:

• Atherosclerosis 
• Diabetes 
• Alcohol use 
• Birth Control Pills 
• Previous family history of Stroke 
• Hypercoagulability High 
• Cholesterol 
• High Blood Pressure 
• Obesity 
• Migraines 
• Patent foramen ovale 
• Sleep apnea 
• Sickle cell disease 
• Tobacco use/smoking 
• Transient Ischemic Attack
• Atrial Fibrillation 
• Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy

What Can I do to Decrease my Risk?

You can decrease your risk for having a stroke by altering your modifiable risk factors by doing the following:

• Have your blood pressure checked yearly: Hypertension is one of the leading causes for strokes and is classified as 140/90 mmHg. Maintain a blood pressure around 120/80 mmHg.
• Stop smoking and limit/control Alcohol to no more than two drinks a day. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke because it damages blood vessels, speeds up artery clogging, raises blood pressure, and makes the heart work harder.
• Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your heart conditions. Atrial fibrillation, transient ischemic attacks, and circulation problems should be diagnosed and treated.
• Know your Cholesterol Levels. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that is made by the body. High levels of cholesterol can clog arteries and cause a stroke. Consult your doctor if your cholesterol levels are higher than 200.
• Manage your diabetes: proper diet and blood glucose levels should be under constant supervision. Consult with your dietician or physician.
• Manage your weight with proper exercise and diet. Maintain a low calorie diet, and avoid salty foods, saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. Exercise five times weekly.

How do I know I’ve had a stroke?

Warning signs of a stroke? Act FAST! 

Know the signs and symptoms:

F-Face: can you smile?  Does one side of your face droop?
A-Arms: can you raise both arms?  Does one arm drift downward when both are raised?
S-Speech: Can you speak normally?  Ask the individual to repeat a simple phrase and look for slurred or strange speech
T-Time: If you notice any of the above symptoms, call 911 immediately.


Other symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg,
• Sudden confusion or altered understanding,
• Sudden trouble walking, seeing, or severe headache with no known cause

Note the time when the first symptoms appear to help the healthcare team help you!

Resources: 
*http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicId=21
**http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack/Warning-Signs-of-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_002039_Article.jsp
http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=PREVENT