From Danville Regional Health System
Better Health Magazine Archives

What are the major risk factors for heart disease?

Some people are predisposed for heart disease because of heredity, even though they may seem healthy. Smoking, a high-fat diet, and high "bad" LDL cholesterol or low "Good" HDL cholesterol levels can cause heart disease. Hypertension, which is uncontrolled high blood pressure, is also a factor. Diabetics are at risk for heart disease because diabetes causes damage to blood vessels.

What should you do if you experience symptoms?

There's a saying about heart attacks tha "time is muscle." The sooner you get to the emergency department, the more damage to your heart muscle can be prevented with thrombolytic agents (clot busting drugs). Chewing an aspirin tablet may help to preent some clotting while you're waiting to be treated. Many people who experience the symptoms are in denial and stay at home - and many of them died beacause they didn't seek help.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of both men and women in the U.S. Dr. Gary Miller, a cardiologist at Danviller Regional Medical Center, explains how to tell if you're headed for a heart attack - and what to do about it.

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

Symptoms include a tight or squeezing sensation in the chest; shortness of breath; pain in the arms, neck, or jaws: profuse sweating and nausea. However, everyone is different - and may experience different symptoms. About 50% of heart attack victims don't get a warning sign at all before a heart attack.

How can you reduce your risk of heart disease?

Avoid smoking. Exercise moderately four to five times a week for 20 - 30 minutes. Read nutrition labels and limit fat intake. Lose weight if you are overweight. Taking one aspirin a day has proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks in men and may help women as well. Most importantly, see you doctor regularly to check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.