Facts about Heart Disease and Stroke

Heart disease is America’s number one killer. Stroke is the number three killer and a leading cause of serious disability. They are caused by a buildup of cells, fat and cholesterol that clogs the arteries that take blood to the heart or brain. This build up is called plaque. It causes a heart attack or stroke when blood flow becomes blocked.

Who is most at risk?

• Men over 45.
• Women over 55.
• Women past menopause or those with ovaries removed but not taking estrogen.
• Those with family history of heart disease.
• Smokers or people who are around smokers.
• Those with cholesterol of 240 mg/dl or higher.
• Those more than 20 pounds overweight.
• People with diabetes.
• Heavy alcohol drinkers.

Protect yourself by knowing these warning signs. Act quickly if they occur.

Heart Attack—know the warning signs*
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. Others can start slowly with mild pain. Other symptoms may include:

• Chest pain that may last for a few minutes, go away and come back.
• Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body like one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest pain.
• Sweating, nausea, light-headedness, weakness or fatigue.

Stroke—know the warning signs
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg—especially on one side of the body—are the warning signs of stroke. Other symptoms include:

• Sudden confusion.
• Trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone you know have any of these warning signs, call 911 right away.

*Note: Symptoms of heart attack can be different in women. Call your doctor for more information. 

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