By Joy Pierce Mathews for Summit Medical Group

In keeping with Valentine’s Day and things of the heart in February, the American Heart Association (AHA) has designated February American Heart Month to encourage your awareness of and fight against cardiovascular diseases.

The AHA Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee report that an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new heart attack and approximately 470,000 Americans will have had a recurrent heart attack in 2009, making it a leading cause of death and disability among Americans.¹

To reduce your odds of developing heart disease, the AHA encourages you to:

• Learn about cardiovascular diseases, including stroke
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol
• Reduce your cholesterol through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary
• Exercise regularly and be active whenever possible
• Not smoke or stop smoking
• Maintain healthy blood pressure
• Avoid stress and engage in stress-reducing activities such as yoga and meditation

Chief Cardiologist, Robert D. Slama, MD, FACC, notes that "It also is important to know the signs and symptoms of heart attack. If you have a heart attack, getting immediate medical help can save your life andprotect your heart from further damage."

Heart attack symptoms include:

• Pain, discomfort, or pressure in the left arm, back, or chest
• Chest  pain, discomfort, or pressure that occurs with physical activity/exercise
• Fluttering sensation in the chest
• Sweating
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Dizziness

For more information or an appointment, please call Summit Medical Group Cardiology at 908-273-4300. Our expert cardiologists are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and valve disease. State-of-the-art diagnostics are conveniently located in the cardiology offices at the Group. We also offer comprehensive continuing care to maintain and restore all aspects of your heart health, including counseling about your risk, preventive care, medications, and cardiac rehabilitation.

On February 10, 2010, please join us in the Summit Medical Group Café for our Go Red: Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Expo. The free event will feature information about, screenings for, and demonstrations on heart disease and stroke prevention. Meet physicians, nurses, and staff from Summit Medical Group Cardiology, Neurology, Vascular Screenings, Imaging, Nutrition Services, Walgreens Pharmacy, Behavioral Health, Physical Therapy, and Integrative Medicine.

Reference
1. Lloyd-Jones D, Adams R, Carnethon M, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2009 Update. A Report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation. 2009;119:e21-e181. 

Watch the video below to see exciting events from our Go Red Day: Heart Disease and Stroke Awareness Expo.