My fascination with the human heart began at a very young age.
Whether it was the fact that my paternal ancestors were plagued with heart-related maladies or that my just-older-than-me sister often gasped for enough oxygen to sustain her tiny body due to a congenital heart condition, I'm not sure. I am certain, however, that my family's tour through the LeBonheur Children's Hospital open-heart surgery unit in 1965, left an indelible print in my memory.
It was during this initial exposure to medical technology, that I first saw the amazing heart-lung machine. Doctors assured my parents, my brothers, and me that this device would sustain my older sibling's life while an ingenious surgeon repaired the half-dollar size hole between her heart's two atrial chambers. Considering the fact that we were given no hopeful options, we prayed they were right.
Today, 46 years later, I can tell you "the rest of the story." Her life indeed was saved! And although her condition was later determined to be much more extensive than first
thought. . . and in spite of the fact that Mayo Clinic today knows her on a first name basis. . . and even though her medical record was recently used as a case study at an international heart surgeons' conference, I never doubt the importance of taking care of my heart.
Since 1963, Congress has required the President to proclaim February as American Heart month. An average 2,200 Americans die from heart disease each day, about one every 39 seconds. In fact, heart disease is the No. 1 killer in America. In addition, heart disease kills more women than the next four causes of death combined, including all types of cancer. By the year 2030, the healthcare costs attributable to heart disease alone are predicted to triple!
According to the American Heart Association, although some heart attacks are sudden and intense, most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Because we are a society of overly-cautious deliberators in regard to health decisions, our uncertainty often causes us to wait too long before getting help. Knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack.
The following signs can mean a heart attack is happening:
Chest Discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of breath. This may occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs: These may include shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness.
The chance of developing heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put us at greater risk.
This week, as you select heart-shaped gifts for those you love, don't forget to choose the gift that keeps on giving all year long, the gift of a heart-healthy lifestyle. You really are worth the effort to eat better, exercise regularly, develop strategies to cope with stress, rest, relax, sleep, and drink plenty of water, and so are the ones you love!
And that Valentine's Day wish comes from the bottom of my heart. JB
