February is American Heart Month! Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in the United States, so spending a couple minutes learning how to care for your heart and how to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack can really help you in the long run.
Steps to a Healthy Heart
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute offers great tips for keeping your heart in the best health possible. These awesome tips will not just support a healthy heart, but also a healthier, happier you:
- Ask your doctor, “can we talk about my risk of heart disease?”
- Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get enough sleep
- Develop strategies for managing your stress
- Get regular physical activity
- If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you find effective cessation strategies
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute publishes a helpful resource for recognizing the top signs of a heart attack:
- Chest pain*, or the sensation of being squeezed or having heartburn
- Pain in the arms, back, shoulders, neck, jaw or stomach above your belly button
- Feeling like you cannot breathe
- Feeling light-headed or breaking out in a cold sweat
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Feeling exhausted
*Women need to be particularly careful - according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, women are less likely to experience chest pain during a heart attack. Be careful not to diminish the possibility of a heart attack simply because there’s no chest pain. It’s best to seek immediate care from a qualified medical professional.
Getting Life Insurance When You Have a Heart Condition
“Heart conditions” range from mild to severe. Learn more about the life insurance coverage available to people with a range of heart conditions - from generally healthy people who have abnormal EKGs to people who survived a recent heart attack in Getting Life Insurance When You Have a Heart Condition.
