This news item expired on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. February is Heart Health Month, and a great way to celebrate the heart is to keep it healthy.
The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Here's a Heart-Healthy Foods Shopping List to get you started.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense – the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
If you or someone you're with has one or more of these signs, call 911 immediately. Get to the hospital right away.