February is American Heart Month

Our Mission in Michigan

Cardiovascular diseases (including stroke) are the #1 cause of death in Michigan. Statewide, 34,730 deaths (39.7% of all deaths) were caused by heart disease or stroke in 2002 (most recent available information). Heart attacks and strokes can devastate victims, families, relationships and health while bringing possible emotional upheaval and financial distress.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is America’s No. 1 KILLER of American males and females. Stroke is No. 3 and is a leading cause of serious disability. CAD caused one of every five (5) deaths in the United States in 2003. Approximately every 26 seconds an American will suffer a coronary event. About every minute, someone will die from one. Nearly 40% of the people who experience a heart attack in a given year will die from it. That’s why you need to place high priority in reducing your risk factors. You need to know the warning signs. You need to know how to respond quickly and properly if you experience the warning signs of a heart attack or are having a heart attack.

Coronary Heart Disease Prevalence

(NHIS [2003], CDC/NCHS, Vital and Health Statistics, Series 10, No. 225, July 2005)

The following prevalence estimates are for people age 18 and older:

• Among whites only: 11.4 % have heart disease, 5.9 % have cardiovascular diseases (CHD), 20.5 % have hypertension (HTN) and 2.3 % have had a stroke
• Among blacks or African Americans only: 9.9% have heart disease. 5.3% have CHD, 31.6% have hypertension and 3.5% have had a stroke
• Among Hispanics or Latinos: 7.7% have heart disease, 4.5 % have CHD, 19.0 % have hypertension and 2.2% have had a stroke.
• Among Asians: 5.6 % have heart disease, 3.8% have CHD, 16.1% have hypertension and 2.2% have had a stroke.
• Among native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders: 16.6% have heart disease, 4.9% have CHD and 18.2% have hypertension.
• Among American Indians or Alaska Natives: 13.8% have heart disease, 8.2% have CHD, 23.9% have hypertension and 3.1% have had a stroke.

Who’s At Risk?

What Makes Coronary Artery Disease More Likely?

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute about 13 million people in the U.S. have Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). It is the number one killer of both men and women. Each year, more than half a million Americans die from CAD. There are factors that make it more likely that you will develop CAD. These are called risk factors.

Risk factors are behaviors or conditions that increase the chance of a disease. Some risk factors are not within your control. Still, other risk factors are ones you can modify or eliminate to assist in lowering your risk for CAD. Your risk factors multiply each other’s effects. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance for developing CAD. Therefore, preventing or controlling risk factors that can be modified is extremely important.

Risk factors that you cannot do anything about are:

AGE

• As you get older, your risk for CAD increases
• In men, risk increases after age 45
• In women, risk increases after age 55.

Family history of early heart disease

• Heart disease diagnosed before age 55 in father or brother
• Heart disease diagnosed before age 65 in mother or sister.

Risk factors that you can do something about include:

• High blood cholesterol (see chart)
• High blood pressure
• Tobacco use such as cigarette smoking
• Secondhand smoke
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Inactivity

“Act in Time”

“Act in Time” is the new joint campaign of the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. “Act in Time” is bringing an increased awareness of heart attacks and strokes to people and the importance of calling 911 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms or stroke symptoms. A heart attack or a stroke is a life-and-death emergency—every second counts. Today, new medications and treatments are available that can benefit heart attack and stroke victims. But to be effective, the drugs must be given relatively quickly after a heart attack or stroke symptoms are first experienced. Don’t delay—get assistance at once!

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Call 911 for help or have someone drive you to the closest emergency room. Do not drive yourself to the emergency room.

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. Begin CPR if trained. Call 911 immediately!

Someone is in cardiac arrest when one or all of the following conditions are present.

• Sudden loss of responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.
• No normal breathing. The victim does not take a normal breath when you check for several seconds.
• No signs of circulation. No movement or coughing.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

According to the American Heart Association, these are the warning signs of a heart attack or indication that a heart attack is happening.

• Chest discomfort
  Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
  
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
  Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  
• Shortness of breath
  May occur with or without chest discomfort.
  
• Other signs
  These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. May seem like indigestion.

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Most importantly: Take Care of Your Heart and It will Take Care of You!

Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders (NINDS) of National Institute of Health (NIH)