As a busy mom on a tight schedule, you probably don’t think you have time for a heart attack. Or maybe you’re thinking that heart attacks are something your father or husband might be at risk for – not you. Unfortunately, cardiovascular disease kills more women than the next four causes of death combined. Why? Many women do not practice preventative heart care or recognize the signs of a heart attack. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign promotes some important tips for women. We would like to share them with you here:

The Signs of a Heart Attack
If you feel one or more of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately.

• Deep, squeezing pressure in your chest. It can last for a few minutes or go away and then return.
• Sudden pain in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath.
• Sudden nausea and light headed-ness.
• Breaking into a cold sweat.

Heart Attack Prevention
Would you like to proactively take control of your health and work to prevent a dangerous heart attack from occurring in your lifetime? We thought so. Here’s how you can do it:

• Quit smoking.
• Exercise or be physically active throughout the week.
• Improve your diet by eating lean meats (such as chicken and fish), fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid high fat foods, saturated fats, and trans fats.
• Lower cholesterol levels through diet changes, exercise and medication.
• Monitor your blood pressure.
• Reduce stress in your life.
• Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor.

If you are feeling any signs of a heart attack, be sure to call 911 immediately. If you have any questions about heart health or if you are looking for a physician referral, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7728.

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