Heart disease awareness reduces risk of heart attack

Dallas, February 16: The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) urges people to be aware the facts associated with heart attack, as a part of the National Heart Month.

The national medical specialty society, ACEP said through a release that the heart disease is a major cause of death in United States. More than one million Americans are affected by heart attacks each year. The society said that learning the warning signals of heart attack raises the chances of survival.

The ACEP said, “uncomfortable pressure, fullness, or a squeezing sensation in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, chest discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms or back are the symptoms and chest discomfort associated with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath are the main symptoms of heart attack.”

“Everyone knows that a heart attack can start with severe chest pains," said Dr. Nick Jouriles, President of ACEP. "But early signs can also include shortness of breath, unexplained weakness or palpitations.”'

ACEP said that people can call 911 right away if they notice any of the heart attack symptoms. ACEP advised, “It is always important to call 911 if you are unsure of your symptoms. It is better to remain safe and seek medical attention.”

ACEP and the American Heart Association have also recommended the use of aspirin drug because it slows down the development of a clot during the heart attack. Aspirin can be helpful in decreasing the chances of death but cannot unclog a blocked arterydefine during a heart attack. So, the people who have taken an aspirin should not wait for their symptoms to get better before calling 911.

ACEP has also suggested some tips to prevent the heart attack. People should stop smoking and alcohol drinking. They should maintain a healthy blood pressure and control diabetes. Regular exercise, regular checkups and low cholesterol diet also help to prevent the disease.