February is American Heart Month. Not only because it’s the month when we celebrate Valentine’s Day, but also a time to focus on our cardiovascular health.
What Is It
The Disease
Symptoms of heart disease in your blood vessels
- Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back
Symptoms caused by abnormal heartbeats (heart arrhythmias)
- Fluttering in your chest
- Racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting (syncope) or near fainting
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency medical care if you have these signs and symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
Make It Happy
Certain types of heart disease can’t be prevented. However, the same lifestyle changes that can improve this disease can help you prevent it, including:
- Don’t smoke.
- Control other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
- Eat a diet that’s low in salt and saturated fat.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
- Practice good hygiene.