It’s not always like you see in the movies: lead character suddenly clutches his chest in pain, grasping for breath before eventually falling to his knees.  More often the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke reveal themselves slowly.  However, it rarely happens without warning – it’s up to us to identify the signals, take preventative measures and act in time. 

According to the American Heart Association, over 7 million Americans have suffered from a heart attack, making coronary heart disease the number one cause of death in the United States for men and women.  Stroke comes in at a close third place.  “Everybody is at risk at some point and most of us will die from heart disease. That is precisely why it is important to reduce your risk factors, understand the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes and take action immediately if symptoms occur,” says Dr. John Ivanoff, cardiologist and medical director of the SouthCrest Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

As competent, cautious adults, we read warning labels on household cleaners, baby products and anything else we bring into our homes, around our families. So why would we not pay attention to the warning signs that could potentially save our lives? There are many warning signs that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Warning Signs

          Heart Attack

·        Chest discomfort including pressure or tightness in the center of the chest that can last for more than a few minutes. It can go away and then come back.

·        Upper body discomfort in the arms, upper back, jaw, neck and possibly the stomach

·        Shortness of breath

·        Dizziness and nausea

·        Breaking out into a sweat

Stroke

·        Sudden numbness or weakness of extremities possibly limited to one side of the body

·        Sudden confusion with impaired speech or confusion

·         Impaired vision

·        Trouble walking which may include dizziness or loss of balance

·        Sudden severe headache

If you notice even a few of these warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.   “Paying attention and getting help quickly can be crucial to a better recovery,” says Dr. Ivanoff.

Risk Factors

There are many risk factors that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.  Evaluate how many factors apply and read on to learn about prevention.   

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Family history of heart disease
• Illegal drug use

Heart attacks and strokes are unprejudiced in their victims; they can strike anyone at anytime regardless of gender or race.  You can avoid becoming a statistic by making a few simple changes to prevent a heart attack or stroke.

If you can move two or more of the risk factors into the “that is me” box, then it is time to make some changes. “Prevention is the first step,” Dr. Ivanoff says.

Prevention

• Quit smoking
• Eat a healthy diet
• Control high blood pressure
• If you have diabetes, work with your physician to control it
• Improve your cholesterol levels
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce stress
• Limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day
• Maintain a healthy weight 

“Preventing a heart attack or stroke can be as simple as making a few lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Ivanoff.  “It does not have to be time consuming or difficult.” Every step you take towards a healthier lifestyle is potentially another step away from a hospital room or surgery suite.

Join Dr. Ivanoff as he discusses “Keeping Your Heart Fired Up” on Tuesday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the SouthCrest Medical Plaza, 91st and Hwy. 169, Education Center, Suite 145.  Dr. Ivanoff will discuss heart attack and stroke prevention, the various ways to reduce risks and treatment options. Following Dr. Ivanoff’s presentation, several of Tulsa’s finest firefighters will be on hand to teach attendees what to do before the ambulance arrives if you think you are having a heart attack or stroke.  

For more information regarding SouthCrest Hospital and its full menu of services, please visit www.southcresthospital.com. 

 Call 294-DOCS to register.