My Sister's Keeper 2007

Heart Disease is a scary and rarely talked about disease among women. It is also quite deadly. Please look at the signs and don't take for granted that you feel fine today, or it's just a little indigestion. Be diligent in keeping yourself healthy.

This is part of an article taken from The American Heart Association website. To read the full article, please visit http://www.heart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053.

__________________

"Coronary heart disease is America's No. 1 killer. Stroke is No. 3 and a leading cause of serious disability. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.

Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that 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 uncomfortable 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 with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness"