Do You Know The Warning Signs For Heart Disease?

Welcome to February! It's the shortest month of the year, it's also the month for Groundhog's Day, that big football game championship, Valentine's Day, President Lincoln and Washington's Birthdays, Friday, February 7th is National Wear Red Day, and it's Heart Month.

According to the Health Education Division of the Chenango County Health Department, close to 1 million Americans die from cardiovascular disease every year. That comes out to roughly one person every 40 seconds. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US with 1 in 3 people dying from heart attacks, strokes, and complications.

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Everyone should be aware of the warning signs for cardiovascular disease, strokes, and heart attacks. Sings of a heart attack could be but are not limited to: pain or pressure in the chest, arm, neck, and/or jaw, sleep issues, heartburn, indigestion, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and excessive sweating.

For Cardiovascular Disease, the signs are chest pain, swelling or pain/cramps in the legs, palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, numbness/weakness in the face or limbs, and for a stroke: face drooped, arm weakness, and speech difficulty.

Risk factors can include a family history of heart disease, low or no physical activity, & sitting for long periods, smoking cigarettes, heavily drinking alcohol, & substance use, eating foods high in sodium, saturated & trans fats, & sugar, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, asthma, COPD, COVID-19,  chronic stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep apnea/disorders.

The Chenango County Health Department notes that there are several ways to help prevent heart issues including regularly monitoring your vitals, exercise and weight management, drinking plenty of water, and managing your stress and sleep.

For more information about Heat Month and Cardiovascular Disease, visit the Chenango County Health Department website.

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