There’s more to American Heart Month
than just Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only time this month we should be thinking about our hearts. In fact, being aware of heart disease all year long is a good idea, because heart disease and stroke are the number one killers in the U.S. Luckily, you can take an active role in significantly reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke, and the team at Legacy ER and Urgent Care can help.

We’d love to see how you’re doing
A complete annual physical, including an EKG, is one of your best weapons in the fight against heart disease. Catching early warning signs like high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, diabetes and other risk factors means your doctor can prescribe medication or treatment that will significantly reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. You should also have your cholesterol tested and your blood sugar checked.

Develop heart-healthy habits
Your heart health is in your hands – and your feet and stomach. Try to develop some good habits including:

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes four days a week
• Choose lean meats and poultry products without skin
• Select fat-free, 1% fat and low-fat dairy products
• Cut back on food containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils
• Cut back on foods and drinks with added sugar
• Try and reduce your salt intake to less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day
• Limit alcohol to no more than one drink a day
• If you smoke, quit

Know the signs of heart attack and stroke
Getting immediate treatment for a heart attack or stroke can mean the difference between life and death. Come in to Legacy ER and Urgent Care immediately if you experience:

• Chest discomfort lasting more that a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back; this is most often described as squeezing, pressure, fullness or pain
• Discomfort in other areas, such as the arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
• You may also break out in a cold sweat, experience nausea or feel lightheaded

Stroke victims may notice the following symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
• Vision trouble
• Difficulty walking, dizziness or loss of coordination
• Sudden, severe headache

Women’s symptoms are different
While women account for nearly 50% of heart attack victims, their symptoms are sometimes very different from men. They are far less likely to experience pain in the chest. Women, even young women, should pay particular attention to the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• A feeling of overall weakness and unusual fatigue
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Dizziness and/or difficulty keeping one’s balance

When in doubt, let us check you out.
Heart attack and stroke symptoms aren’t always obvious. If you have any risk factors including age, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease or a history of heart trouble and think you may be having a heart attack or stroke, see us at once.

“Knowing the warning signs of heart attack or stroke is critical to seeking the immediate treatment that could save your life,” cautioned Dr. Kirk D. Mahon, M.D.

VIP Perks members who want to know more about how to say heart healthy can post questions on Ask the ER.