Did you know... What is heart disease? Heart disease is caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart. Click here to learn more about heart disease. Warning signs Each year, about 1.1 million Americans suffer a heart attack. About 460,000 of those heart attacks are fatal. About half of those deaths occur within 1 hour of the start of symptoms and before the person reaches the hospital. Know the warning signs and what to do if they occur. Are you at risk? You can reduce your risk of having a heart attack-even if you already have coronary heart disease (CHD) or have had a previous heart attack. Click here to reduce risk. Survive a heart attack Fast action, ideally within 1 hour of the start of heart attack symptoms, is your best weapon. Click here for survival information. Healthy lifestyle Changes in your lifestyle, such as eating a low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet, regular physical activity, and managing your weight can help keep your cholesterol low and reduce your chance of developing heart disease as well as improve your health in other ways. Click here for lifestyle changes. Women's issues Think heart disease is a men's issue? Think again. Read what doctors are now saying about hormone replacement therapy. Click here for HRT info. Make informed choices There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all health care. Learn more about making the right health care choices for you and your family. Click here for more information.

Doctor-patient discussions can deliver a powerful message about key symptoms and appropriate actions to minimize treatment delays.

A Medical Moment with Dr. Kenneth Phillips

"You may not know you have heart disease or that you are predisposed to getting it because early heart disease is essentially asymptomatic (link to glossary). But with the technology that exists today, early heart disease can be detected. We're even checking cholesterol in some children because we know that proper diet and lowered cholesterol will reduce their risk." Dr. Kenneth Phillips, cardiologist, - Advanced Healthcare

About heart disease

A Medical Moment with Dr. Paul Weisman

One reason people wait before getting help is that they do not realize they are having a heart attack because their symptoms do not match the sudden crushing chest paindepicted in the movies - the so-called "Hollywood heart attack."

"The sudden onset of chest pain or pressure radiating to the arm or jaw, associated with shortness of breath, may mean that you are having a heart attack and you should seek immediate medical attention." Dr. Paul Weisman, cardiologist, - Advanced Healthcare

About surviving heart attacks

A Medical Moment with Dr. Robert Roth

"To decrease your risk of cardiac disease, we recommend quitting smoking, a sensible diet low in fat, a regular exercise program, screening for high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and regular follow-up with your physician." Dr. Robert B. Roth, cardiologist, - Columbia St. Mary's

About measuring risks

A Medical Moment with Dr. James Bartlett

"If a member of your family has heart disease, you, too, may be at risk. You should see your family physician to determine ways to reduce risk factors such as cholesterol and smoking to stay heart healthy." Dr. James C. Bartlett, DO, cardiologist - Columbia St. Mary's
About healthy lifestyle