American Heart Month Recognized
February was American Heart Month and Pointe Coupee General Hospital took the opportunity to promote heart health to its employees and the community. Several activities were planned during the month including hospital staff donating money to the American Heart Association. Employees donned red shirts with the message “Nothing Beats a Healthy Heart” during the month and wore red hats to spread the word on the importance of healthy heart living. Departments had a “Deck the Door” contests with the Business Office selected as the winner. Lastly, members of the nursing staff displayed information on heart disease, diet, and exercise and provided healthy snacks to the community.
Statistics Concerning Heart Disease
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year.
About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that's 1 in every 4 deaths.
Every year about 935,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 610,000 are a first heart attack.
Only 1 in 5 American women believe that heart disease is the greatest health threat.
The symptoms of heart disease can be different in women and men. Women are less likely to dial 911 when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.
Facts About Heart Disease Everyone Should Know
Cardiovascular disease is a buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries which are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of the body. Increased plaque in the arteries is caused by an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, being overweight, and smoking.
Heart attacks occur when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked by a buildup of plaque in coronary arteries.
Signs of a Heart Attack
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
Cold sweats
Nausea, or lightheadedness
Pressure or squeezing, and fullness in chest or neck (could be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn)
Palpitations or irregular heartbeats (feels like a “flip-flop” in chest)
Weakness
What Should You Do If You Believe You Are Having a Heart Attack
Call 911
Chew and swallow a 325 mg aspirin
Make sure the aspirin is not enteric coated
Sit or lie down
How Do You Prevent Heart Disease
Do not smoke
Control high blood pressure and diabetes
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise
Check your cholesterol and keep it controlled
Eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Choose foods
low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium
Manage stress
For more facts about cardiovascular diseases and strokes:
