February Recognized as Heart Awareness Month

As the leading cause of death in Michigan and the leading killer of woman, the Michigan Department of Community Health recognizes February as Heart Health Awareness Month to bring attention to this critical health issue.

Heart disease kills more woman than the next six causes of death including all forms of cancer. A 2006 survey showed that 57% of woman knew that heart disease is the leading cause of death among them, which showed a significant increase in awareness compared to earlier surveys in 2000 and 2003.

Though aging, family health history, and race are all considered uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease, risks such as cigarette smoking, inactivity, and obesity are considered avoidable. Roughly 20% of Michigan women smoke.

Further, most woman in Michigan do not get the recommended 30minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week, nor do they eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Regular physical activity and a heart healthy diet are important ways to lower your risk.

Regular checkups with your family physician are also very important!

Conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure also increase the risk f developing cardiovascular disease.

Recognizing the symptoms of heart disease can save lives. The American Heart Association identifies the following warning signs of a heart attack and emphasizes that many heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.

* Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.

* Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the chest;

* Pain or discomfort in one of both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach;

* Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort; and

* Breaking our in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you or someone you are with experiences these discomforts, especially someone with the above signs or symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately!

For more info on heart health and The American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign, please visit www.heart.org. To learn more about small steps towards better health , please visit the Michigan Surgeon General's Web site, Michigan's Steps Up, at www.michiganstepup.org.