Don't Forget About Stroke During American Heart Month

By: Dr. Fredrick Phillips
HealthNewsDigest.com
Augusta, GA — Cardiovascular disease is just a fancy way to say heart disease, right? Wrong. The term cardiovascular disease actually describes diseases and conditions that affect not just your heart but also your blood vessels. During American Heart Month, it’s important that the public increases their awareness both of heart attack as well as other cardiovascular diseases like stroke.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Risk factors for stroke include:
Age: Those older than 55 have an increased risk of stroke.
Family history: If a parent, grandparent or sibling has had a stroke, you too are at higher risk.
Race: African-Americans are at higher risk of stroke than Caucasians and other races.
Gender: While men typically suffer more strokes, women are more likely to die from strokes, due to complications related to use of birth control and pregnancy.
Prior stroke, TIA or heart attack: If you have already had a stroke, a transient ischemic attack (which is a mini-stroke that causes symptoms but no lasting damage) or a heart attack, your risk of a secondary stroke is increased.
If you suffer or suspect a loved one has suffered a stroke, time is of the essence. There is only a three-hour window from the onset of stroke symptoms for patients to be treated by tPA, the clot-busting drug that is recommended for most ischemic strokes. After initial treatment and stabilization in an acute-care hospital, most stroke survivors will also benefit from treatment in a rehabilitation setting. Physical, occupational and speech therapy, especially if started as soon as possible after the stroke, can help stroke survivors recover mobility, fine motor skills, swallowing and language skills more quickly.
The great thing is that the same steps you take to help prevent heart disease will also help reduce your risk of stroke. These include simple steps like:
Exercising
Eating better and losing weight
Quitting smoking
Controlling cholesterol
Managing blood sugar
Lowering blood pressure
If you are at risk of heart attack or stroke, talk to your doctor today about how he or she can help you reduce your risk. And if you are a stroke survivor continuing to experience stroke aftereffects, talk to your doctor too. There may be therapies available to help you improve your mobility and regain more independence.

Nothing Tricky

Please view this video! It can save a life. Hands only CPR

Hands only CPR

Hands only CPR has been rolled out by American Heart Association for by standers: Main thing to remember- if you see someone collapse call 911 and and start heart compressions. You can save a life.

Typical heart attack symptoms

Typical heart attack symptoms
Symptom Description
Chest discomfort or pain This discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.
Upper body pain Pain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. You may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.
Stomach pain Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.
Shortness of breath You may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before you develop chest discomfort.
Anxiety You may feel a sense of doom or feel as if you're having a panic attack for no apparent reason.
Lightheadedness You may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.
Sweating You may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.
Nausea and vomiting You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
Heart attack symptoms vary widely. For instance, you may have only minor chest pain while someone else has excruciating pain.

One thing applies to everyone, though: If you suspect you're having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately. Don't waste time trying to diagnose heart attack symptoms yourself.

Women and Heart Disease - Go RED- Hear Check Up

Go Red Heart CheckUp
Go Back to Google Health Welcome to the most important choice you may make today. - the Go Red Heart CheckUp
You may look and feel healthy. But do you know your risk for developing heart disease in the next 10 years? The Go Red Heart CheckUp only takes a few minutes to take and will assess your main cardiovascular health risk factors. With results, you'll be rewarded with a Personal Action Plan. It's your customized guide to help you achieve your fitness and nutrition goals and live heart smart. Take the Go Red Heart CheckUp today to learn your risk.
It only takes a few minutes and can save your life.