Do you notice yourself frequently short of breath or regularly having chest pains?
You may not be having a heart attack, but you could be heading for one as these are typical symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, so it’s time to get serious about watching for symptoms.
Listen To Your Heart
Your heart needs plenty of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to keep you running at top speed. When plaque builds up, your arteries begin to narrow which damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow to your heart.
So, how do you know you’re at risk? What signs should you look for? Get to the heart of the issue and start paying attention to any unusual symptoms.
The following factors put you at risk for CAD:
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- A family history of heart disease
- Tobacco use
All these circumstances perpetuate damage to your artery walls where plaque will continue to build increasing the chance of a heart attack.
Common symptoms of CAD include:
- Pressure or tightness in the middle or left of your chest
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Heart attack
- In women: neck or jaw pain, burning sensations in the chest or abdomen
There’s no time like the present to look after your heart health. If you experience any of these symptoms on a recurring basis, call your healthcare provider.
Take Preventative Measures
Your doctor may prescribe tests to determine your condition and medication to maintain your blood pressure or cholesterol. However, be proactive and take preventative measures to ensure your heart stays strong.
- Exercise regularly and stay active
- Reduce fat and salt in your diet
- Quit smoking
- Manage your stress and blood pressure
Learn more about how Embassy Healthcare can help prevent CAD with our Cardiac Care Program, call us at 888-975-1379 or contact us online.
