UnderstandingHeart Disease

American Heart AssociationGreater Southeast Affiliate

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Cardiovascular Diseases are Americas No. 1 Killer

•Nearly 33% of all deaths in the U.S. are from Cardiovascular Diseases which include:– Heart Attack– Cardiac Arrest– Stroke– High Blood Pressure– Heart Failure– Congenital Heart Defects

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How the Heart Works

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Heart Conditions

• Plumbing Problems– Coronary Arteries are “pipes” that bring blood to

the heart

• Electrical Problems

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Heart Attack Symptoms

• Chest discomfort• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the

back, neck, jaw or stomach• Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or

lightheadedness• Shortness of breath

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Cardiac Arrest Symptoms

• Sudden loss of responsiveness (no response to gentle shaking)

• No normal breathing (the victim doesn’t take a normal breath when you check for several seconds)

• No signs of circulation (no movement or coughing)

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Cardiac Arrest- What To Do

• Recognize the signs• Immediately call 9-1-1• Give CPR if you’ve been trained• Use an AED if one is available

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Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Can NOT be changed:Increasing age, gender, family history of heart disease, race (African American), past heart disease or stroke.

CAN be changed:Tobacco smoke, high blood pressure, high

cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes.

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Know Your Numbers

• Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg

• Cholesterol: – TOTAL: less than 200 mg/dL– HDL(Healthy): more than 40 mg/dL– LDL(Lousy): less than 100 mg/dL

• Exercise 30 minutes a day

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For more information, call the American Heart Association

1-800-AHA-USA1

1-888-4-STROKE

www.heart.org