Could You Be Having
“A heart attack doesn’t always
have classic symptoms, such as pain
in the chest and shortness of breath,”
says Zankhana Raval, MD, an interventional
cardiologist with Holy
Name Medical Center in Teaneck. “A
heart attack can actually present itself
in many different ways, which is why
many people, may not even realize
they’re having one.”
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, heart
disease is the leading cause of death
for both men and women. More than
600,000 people in the U.S. a year die
from it, that’s one in every four
deaths.
But surveys show most Americans
are misinformed with regard to recognizing
the signs of a heart attack,
as well as who is susceptible to one.
Myth #1: Men are More
at Risk Than Women
Actually, since 1984, more women
than men have died each year from
heart disease, according to the
American Heart Association. Heart
disease is the leading cause of death
in women over age 65, just as it's the
leading killer of men.
Myth #2: I Could Tell If I Was
Going to Have a Heart Attack
Not necessarily. While there are
certain markers for heart disease, including
high blood pressure and high
cholesterol, many people never experience
the symptoms of these conditions
until there’s a problem. That
is why it’s essential to see your doctor
and get screened regularly. Additionally,
there are other risk factors for
heart disease that you may not know
about, including diabetes, kidney disease,
and having had radiation treatment
to the chest.
Myth #3: I’ll Recognize the
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Not all heart attacks come with
chest pain. There are many more subtle
symptoms, including fatigue, a
change in activity level, nausea, lightheadedness,
and discomfort in the
jaw, neck, or back. Some people may
think they’re experiencing heartburn,
and while the symptoms can be similar,
if you’re in doubt, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Myth #4: Heart Disease Runs
In My Family, So There’s
Nothing I Can Do About It
A family history of heart disease is
one of the biggest risk factors, so you
need to provide your doctor with a
detailed medical history. There are a
number of non-invasive tests that can
determine if you have coronary artery
disease.
Myth #5: I’m Too Young to
Worry About Heart Disease
How you live now affects your risk
for cardiovascular disease. Plaque
can start accumulating at any age,
leading to clogged arteries.
Your best defense is to lead a
healthy lifestyle by maintaining your
weight and controlling your blood
pressure, cholesterol, and blood
sugar. Also, exercising regularly and
giving up smoking are key.
a Heart Attack…
And Not Even
Know It? Zankhana Raval, MD
Interventional Cardiologist
201-907-0995
Book online: northjerseyheart.com
/northjerseyheart.com