Warning Signs
with
Dr. Kenneth Phillips, Advanced Healthcare
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. CHD is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, and often results in a heart attack.
Delay in seeking medical treatment is a key factor in the nearly one-half million heart attack deaths in the United States each year. And Wisconsin has the highest percentage of sudden cardiac deaths, according to an analysis of state data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Kenneth Phillips, MD
Advanced Healthcare
Heart Healthy Tip
Don't ignore the warning signs and persistent symptoms until it is too late.
Your physician can help you understand what your symptoms mean and work with you to address key risk factors that contribute to the development of heart disease.
"Major warning signs may include chest pain or pressure; neck, jaw and shoulder or arm discomfort; shortness of breath and unexplained weakness or fatigue." Dr. Kenneth Phillips, cardiologist, with Advanced Healthcare in Milwaukee.
Other symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.
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"Most people don't recognize or accept the fact that they are having a heart attack. They think their symptoms are related to something else, such as a virus or indigestion," said Dr. Kenneth Phillips, cardiologist, with Advanced Healthcare in Milwaukee.
In addition to uncertainty about symptoms, many patients fear they will be embarrassed if their symptoms turn out to be a false alarm. And the majority of women still view heart attacks as a 'male' problem even through cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of both men and women.
"Women don't always present typical heart attack symptoms," Phillips said, which may include mild chest pain, stomach or abdominal pain, rather than the typical "crushing" chest pain. Also, nausea or dizziness, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue, palpitations, cold sweat or paleness.
Timing is everything.
Despite advances in the prevention and treatment of heart attacks and improvements in emergency transportation, more than 60% of heart disease deaths were unexpected or "sudden," and nearly half of all heart deaths occurred outside of the hospital.
Fortunately, everyone can take steps to protect their heart-and their life or that of someone else. The key is seeking medical care as soon as possible.
"It is during that crucial 60-minute window that clot-busting medication and other treatments are most effective. Alarmingly, only one in five patients gets to the hospital emergency department soon enough to benefit from these treatments."
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Director Claude Lenfant, M.D.
A heart attack is a frightening event, and you probably don't want to think about it. But, if you learn the signs of a heart attack and what steps to take, you can save a life-maybe your own.
"
Act In Time" is a consumer education program created by the NHLBI to help you learn more about heart attacks and the steps you can take to increase your chances of survival. Learn why a fast response to the signs of a heart attack is crucial to save lives and limit heart damage.
Learn why a fast response to the signs of a heart attack is crucial to save lives and limit heart damage.
Click here.
