Recognizing a heart attack, calling 9-1-1 and getting help immediately are the difference between life and death in many instances. What most people don't know is there are different types of heart attacks. While all of them are critical, the most deadly type of heart attack (called a STEMI) gives the patient an even shorter window of opportunity.

Here is your first call to action – learn the warning signs:
• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes.
• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms. The pain may be mild to intense. It may feel like pressure, tightness, burning or heavy weight. It may be located in the chest, upper abdomen,
neck, jaw, or inside the arms or shoulders.
• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.

The great news is that heart disease is largely treatable. In fact, the American Heart Association says 80 percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if women make the right choices for their hearts involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Knowing your risk factors and modifying them is just as important as knowing the warning signs of a heart attack.

Here is your second call to action – learn what your risk factors are and reduce them:
• High blood pressure. Nearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women. This condition can increase your risk of stroke and heart attack. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Have your blood pressure checked by your healthcare provider. To prevent or manage high blood pressure, eat a healthy diet low in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
• Smoking. Smoking cigarettes is the most important modifiable major risk factor for a heart attack and stroke, and it increases your risk two to four times that of nonsmokers. Thousands of nonsmokers, including infants and children, are harmed by exposure to cigarette smoke. It's never too late to quit.
• High cholesterol. 47 percent of American adults have cholesterol levels that are too high. The higher your total blood cholesterol, the greater your risk of coronary heart disease. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Take steps to lower your cholesterol levels by losing unnecessary weight and limiting the saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol you eat.
• Physical inactivity. Lack of physical activity increases your risk of coronary heart disease. Aim to get 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 days per week.
• Obesity or overweight. About 145 million American adults are overweight, and 74 million are obese. If you have excess body fat – especially at the waist – you're more likely to develop heart disease and stroke.
• Diabetes. Compared to women without diabetes, women with diabetes have from two to four times higher death rates from heart disease. A family history of diabetes can significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes. To prevent or manage diabetes, watch your weight and diet, be active, avoid smoking and see your healthcare provider regularly.

Here is your third and final call to action – have this discussion with your healthcare provider. More women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. Remember – your heart is in your hands. Learn more at www.GoRedForWomen.org Go Red For Women is a nationwide movement to wipe out the No. 1 killer of women – heart disease.
However, it's more than a message; it's a call to action. As a cardiologist who responds to patients after suffering a heart attack, I want to give you an action plan.

Recognizing a heart attack, calling 9-1-1 and getting help immediately are the difference between life and death in many instances. What most people don't know is there are different types of heart attacks. While all of them are critical, the most deadly type of heart attack (called a STEMI) gives the patient an even shorter window of opportunity.




By Dr. Stephen Mester

Board Certified Interventional Cardiologist,
Brandon Regional Hospital
American Heart Association local spokesperson