Photo Source: Danis Foundation
Heart Health is something that none of us can afford to take for granted. I got my first real awareness check several years ago when my grandfather had to have a quadruple bypass. That was a difficult time, but then when my Father-in-law suffered a stroke and then additional strokes that lead to his passing, things got much more serious. Nick and I both have family histories of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, so it is critical that we take pro-active steps to reduce our risk now, for the sake of our children. Remember this phrase: Healthy Heart, Healthy You!
IF YOU ARE HAVING SEVERE CHEST, BACK, OR BELLY PAIN, OR IF YOU THINK YOU ARE HAVING A HEART ATTACK OR STROKE, IMMEDIATELY GO TO A HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE YOURSELF. CALL 911 FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORT.
The aorta is an especially critical part of the heart system, not that any of them aren’t important, but this particular area is the main artery coming from the heart. It carries blood throughout almost every area of your body, so it’s important to pay attention to any symptoms you have. Many heart problems can be treated, and if caught early enough have relatively good prognosis, but left untreated, can be fatal. When someone has an aortic aneurysm, the aorta has become weak and the pressure of their blood flowing causes a bulge in the weakened area. Should they rupture, internal bleeding would occur, which is obviously very serious.
Some common symptoms are:
- Chest Pain
- Back Pain
- Unusual sensation in the upper chest or back
- sweating
- fast heart rate
- rapid breathing
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- numbness
- loss of consciousness
- confusion
- Don’t smoke.
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in fat and cholesterol
- Get moving! Try to at least walk 30 minutes per day. Keep your heart rate up, and do some strength training whenever possible.
- Get regular health screenings. Your primary care can monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and many other aspects. If they notice something out of the normal range, they can properly advise you as to how to keep it under control.
- Take your prescribed medications. If your doctor prescribes blood pressure or cholesterol medication, do not skip or miss doses.
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