Heart
Attack
www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org
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The
number one killer in America is cardiovascular
disease
Relasted
issue: Stroke
The number one
killer in America is cardiovascular disease.
More than two of every five Americans die of
cardiovascular disease. Today, more than one in five
Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease,
with more than 2,500 Americans dying from it each day. Of
those with heart disease, 52.2 percent are male and 47.8
percent are female; 88.2 percent are white, 9.5 percent are
black, and 2.4 percent are of other races. Clearly, heart
disease is a national concern.
250,000 people die of heart attacks
each year before they reach a hospital. Half of all victims
wait more than two hours before getting help. Estimates are
that 3 million Americans suffer occasional chest
pain.
As many as 50 million Americans have
high blood pressure, the leading contributor to heart
disease. Of those people, 35 percent don't know they have
it. High blood pressure is easily detectable and usually
controllable.
Chest Pain: Warning
signs of restricted blood flow to the heart
usually occur
before the heart attack happens
may happen days, weeks, or even months before the heart
attack occurs
may be mild and easy to ignore
may be confused with indigestion
may be confused with sore muscles
Pay attention to
warning signs and seek treatment early.
Studies show that by seeking help
during the first hour of discomfort, you are less likely to
have severe or permanent damage to the heart
muscle
Warning Signs of A
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack):
Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, pain or
discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more
than two minutes.
Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, neck, or
arms.
Pain, dizziness, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.
Any chest discomfort that causes anxiety or concern.
Any of the above symptoms that disappear with rest, then
return with exertion.
Pain that lasts for
10 to 15 minutes while you are resting should be evaluated
immediately.
Source: This information
compiled from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute,
the American Heart Association, and other
sources.
Think About It!
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www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org/brookings/heart.html
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