February is American Heart Month.

Photo from: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/heartdis.htm

Did you know that you can live with heart disease for years and have no idea that your heart is at risk?
Many people who have heart disease experience no symptoms and do not even know they are sick.
Take care of your heart.
However, there are several symptoms or warning signs that a person with heart disease may experience, and they are different for each person.

The most common symptom is chest pain.

Chest pain, or angina, may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain can also be in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, jaw, face, or back. Some people have said it feels like indigestion.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the #1 health problem in the US. CHD can cause angina and heart attack.
Other symptoms of heart disease can include:
-Unusual shortness of breath when doing light activity or at rest
-Persistent coughing or wheezing
-Palpitations, rapid or unusual heartbeat
-Fainting or passing out
-Fluid retention or puffiness
-Loss of appetite and weight loss
-Unusual tiredness
-Severe chest pain

It's important to remember that you can live symptom free for years before heart disease is ever detected. Sometimes none of the above warning signs may occur. Sometimes they go away and return. Talk to your doctor about your risk for heart disease. Also, ask any questions you may have regarding your health, especially about your cholesterol levels too.

Take care of your heart!

The first step should be a change in your diet and exercise plan.
A healthy diet and regular exercise are good for your heart.

Watch and listen to ABC News' Dr. Tim:
Have a Healthy Heart

Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program, specially if you have heart disease.

You can reduce your chances of getting heart disease by knowing your blood pressure. Your heart moves blood through your body. If it is hard for your heart to do this, your heart works harder, and your blood pressure will rise. People with high blood pressure often have no symptoms, so have your blood pressure checked every day or week. If you have high blood pressure, I suggest you monitoring your blood pressure at home. It is very important. It's quite handy for all of us who need dayly or weekly monitoring of blood pressure and pulse carefully use Omron HEM-670IT Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor with APS. (photo-click link)
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