Heart Disease and Stroke
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease describes conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Common types include:
- Coronary heart disease – most common and the main cause of heart attacks
- Heart failure – when the heart can’t pump blood well
- Arrhythmias – when your heartbeat is too fast, too slow or uneven
What is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood can’t reach the brain because a blood vessel is clogged or busts. Without blood, brain cells quickly begin to die.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that makes you more likely to experience disease.
Risk factors you can’t control:
- Age
- Race
- Gender
- Family history
Risk factors you can control:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pain in the back, neck, arms, stomach or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Nausea
- Feeling lightheaded
Call 911 right away if you notice these signs!
Warning Signs of a Stroke
- Signs of a stroke come on suddenly and include:
- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, mainly on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking, confusion or trouble understanding
- Dizziness, trouble walking or loss of coordination
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Severe headaches with no clear reason
Call 911 right away if you notice these signs!
How to Lower Your Risk
You can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke:
- Be active every day
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Limit fatty foods and alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weight
- If you smoke, quit (Need help? Visit QuitlineNC)
Quick Nutrition Tips
- Fruits and veggies: Aim for at least four servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables daily. Add different types to make your plate healthy, colorful and fun.
- Lean protein: Choose fish, poultry or lean red meat. Aim for two 3-ounce servings a day. A serving is about the size of a deck of cards.
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