So, what’s really at the heart of heart disease?

You know cancer is the heart of who I am.  Its the road I’ve walked and intermittently the thing that has given me purpose.  But, my heart still bleeds for the things that make us healthier.  Heart disease is still the number one killer of men and women in the US.  Its a big deal and something that has touched my family in several ways.

So, this month as we look at heart disease, I’d like to share some facts with you and maybe something that might even save your life!!!

Facts about your heart (source):

• Your heart beats 101,000 times a day.
• Hold out your hand and make a fist. If you’re a kid, your heart is about
  the same size as your fist, and if you’re an adult, it’s about the same
  size as two fists.
• Give a tennis ball a good, hard squeeze. You’re using about the same
  amount of force your heart uses to pump blood out to the body. 

Facts about heart disease (source):

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. (and that is true of most racial/ethnic groups)
• In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds. Every
  60 seconds, someone in the United States dies from a heart
  disease-related event.
• Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined.
• While 1 in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, 1 in 3 dies of heart disease.
• The symptoms of heart disease can be different in women and men, and are often misunderstood.
• About 85.6 million Americans are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the after effects of stroke. (2016 Statistics)

Signs of a heart attack (source):
We like to think these could be explained by something else, but when they are together, its important to pay attention.

1. Chest discomfort
2. discomfort in the upper part of the body
3. shortness of breath
4. possible – cold sweats, nausea, light headedness

This animation of a heart attack is pretty cool!
Signs of a stroke:
F.A.S.T – its what you have to remember.  Time lost is brain lost.  Act fast….

• Face – drooping
• Arms – cant raise
• Speech – slurred
• Call 9-1-1

It matters to me, because this guy mattered to me. Cancer tried to wear him down, twice, but a heart attack is what took him that winter day.  The Pitt Crew carries a lot of who we are in our hearts from this man…in lots of ways.  He was active, healthy and vivacious.  He could sing a mean cotton field spiritual.  He worked hard and loved people.  He was a war hero and stole my grandmother’s heart through a newspaper column during WWII.  A hometown hero in all regards.  One of my heroes and maybe the man who taught me to be a ham! Or atleast how to hold my own on a stage.

Pay attention…its possible, but its really hard to get a new heart.  Take care of the one you have!

This post is part of the #NWArkCares series by the
Northwest Arkansas Bloggers group. To view other posts, visit the Northwest
Arkansas Bloggers Pinterest Board or follow #NWArkCares through social media.