Know the signs before it’s too late!
Heart disease is the nation’s #1 killer of men and women. Each year we recognize February as Heart Month! It’s a great time to raise awareness about heart disease and work to prevent the 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes that take place in the United States this year.
Heart attacks and strokes are life-threatening emergencies, meaning every second counts! It is important to know the signs of each and act quickly.
Heart attack warning signs include:
- Chest discomfort – it hurts or feels squeezed
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as arms, back, shoulders, neck or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Other signs may include cold sweat, nausea, or feeling light-headed or tired
- Stroke is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Stroke can affect anyone, but the risk increases as you get older.
F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. If you spot these signs, you’ll know that you need to call 9-1-1 right away:
About 7 million people who have had strokes are alive today, thanks to education and preventive care.
For more info on heart attacks and strokes and ways you can recognize the signs, visit the American Heart Association.
