February is American Heart Month: Heart Disease Awareness and Heart Health Tips

February 07, 2019

We are not sure why it is "American Heart Month" and not just "Heart Month, but here are some health tips that everyone should be aware of.

Plaque build-up in blood vessels that cause heart disease is different between men and women.

Heart attacks are caused by plaque accumulation, but men’s plaque tends to be hardened, often impacting all three coronary arteries. Women tend to have one or two and these deposits tend to be softer. This makes it more likely to dislodge and travel in the bloodstream, potentially leading to a heart attack.

Heart disease without blocked arteries occurs more often in women. Most women undergoing heart procedures do not have blocked arteries. This may be related to the smaller coronary arteries.

Signs of a heart attack: symptoms everyone should know:

-Nausea or vomiting

-Dizziness or lightheadedness

-Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort

-Discomfort, tightness, or pressure in the center of the chest, often lasting more than a few minutes (or it might stop, and then return)

-Pain in one or both arms, upper back, neck, jaw or stomach

-Paleness or clammy skin

It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you feel yourself experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Make sure you tell them that you think you are having a heart attack. Otherwise, this might not be the first thing they think of.

Leave a comment

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in Black Beard News