Listen to your heart

What is your heart telling you?

If it could talk, your heart would tell you that the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease.

It would tell you that high blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease, and only one in four adults have that condition under control.

It would tell you that other health factors you can change, like smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, excessive alcohol use and physical inactivity, put it at greater risk of disease.

It would tell you that you can decrease the risk of heart disease by making positive lifestyle changes. It’s doable!

American Heart Month dates to 1964 when President Lyndon Johnson, who had a heart attack, issued the first proclamation to raise awareness of heart disease. Since then, the annual February observance provides the opportunity to draw attention to preventing heart disease.

“One of the things that matters most at Walton EMC is our members,” says CEO Ron Marshall. “We’re concerned for their health and well-being. I hope this awareness e ort and information throughout our media will encourage every person to take heart health seriously.”

Listen to heart healthy habits

• Get high blood pressure under control. Monitor your blood pressure frequently and take medications your doctor prescribes regularly and correctly.
• Change to a healthier diet. How? Reduce salt from the shaker and then at the supermarket by buying low-sodium foods. Limit saturated fats, red meat and sugar (both simple sugars like candy and carbohydrates like pasta). Eat more fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit alcohol.
• Keep diabetes under control. Work with your doctor to maintain A1C readings below 7. Diet, exercise and medications can all play an important part. Check your blood sugar regularly.
• Stop smoking.
• Start exercising. Try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week.
• Decrease stress. Use relaxation techniques. Get enough sleep. Make time to do things you enjoy.

Signs of a heart attack

• Chest pain or discomfort (center or left)
• Pain/discomfort in the jaw, neck or back
• Pain/discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling light-headed, weak or faint
• Cold sweats
• Vomiting or nausea

Listen if your heart tells you it’s in distress. Early action is important!

Call 911 immediately if you observe heart attack signs.