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American Heart Month
Heart attack.
According to the American Heart Association, 340,000 people a year
die of coronary heart disease in an emergency department or before
they reach a hospital. That equals two-thirds of all coronary
deaths a year – more than 930 per day. How much do you actually
know about a heart attack? Only 5% of cardiac arrest victims
survive. Minutes count. Early CPR and defibrillation can help
increase survival rates.
Not all heart attacks are like the
“Hollywood Heart Attack.” While some are sudden and intense as
portrayed in the movies, many start slowly with mild discomfort in
the chest. Often the people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and
wait too long before getting help.
Learn the warning signs of a heart
attack. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the
center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away
and comes back, pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back,
neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath along with, or before,
chest discomfort could be indications of a heart attack. Other
signs include such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or
lightheadedness.
Even people who have had a heart attack
before may not recognize the signs because the next heart attack can
have entirely different symptoms. The Lisle-Woodridge Fire District
wants you to call 9-1-1 for help without delay – even if it turns
out to be a false alarm.
CALL 9-1-1! It is the fastest way to
get life saving treatment. Lisle-Woodridge Fire District personnel
will start treatment as soon as they arrive. Treatment begins with
their arrival rather that when you arrive at the hospital. Going to
the hospital and not calling 9-1-1 immediately causes significant
delay in receiving treatment.
Having high blood pressure, tobacco use,
high blood cholesterol, over-weight and obesity and physical
inactivity all contribute to cardiac arrest. Talk to your doctor
and learn the risks that lead to heart disease
Young women – do you know your risk for
heart disease and stroke begins early in life and may not be seen or
felt? That is why it is so important to take action TODAY, to take
charge of your health. Learn what causes heart disease and stroke.
Learn the warning signs. Talk to your healthcare professional.
Heart disease is a problem NOW. Later
may be too late. The disease process that underlies heart attack
and stroke begins in women as young at 20. Once damage to arteries
is done, it can be treated but not cured. Don’t put off until
tomorrow what can’t be felt today. Discuss heart disease with your
doctor and take steps to reduce your risks immediately.
Lastly, BE A HERO. Just recently, a
District resident’s life was saved by two civilians who administered
CPR to him while awaiting emergency personnel. Learn CPR and how
to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Take a Heartsaver/AED
Course and learn how to increase the chances of survival during a
cardiac emergency. A schedule of classes can be obtained on the
Lisle-Woodridge Fire District website at
www.LWFD.org and by calling 630-353-3030.
To learn more about heart health,
contact the American Heart Association’s “MyHeartWatch” at
www.myheartwatch.org. Online features include Know Your Heart
Attack Risk, Behavior Modification Program, Chat Rooms, Discussion
Groups, Ask-an-Expert, Nutrition Calendar and other features.
If you have any questions
regarding this or any other EMS program, please call 353-3030.
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