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Heart Health month is coming to a close, but knowing the risks and symptoms of heart disease is something to be aware of all year round. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance of developing heart disease. Your age and family history cannot be changed, yet your cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, weight and smoking history can all be controlled. The symptoms of heart disease, however, is something many people do not know too well. For many, crushing chest pain is the most common and identifiable. However, other symptoms of heart disease or a heart attack can be more subtle, and are not the same for everyone. Some of these can include:

• Unusual fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Indigestion
• Anxiety
• Back, jaw or neck pain
• Palpitations – an irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Nausea, lightheadedness or breaking out in a cold sweat

Be aware if you experience an “atypical” symptom and have risk factors for heart disease. Just because you may not have the “classic” heart attack sign, it’s important to be in tune with your body, and if something doesn’t feel right, act on it quickly and call 911. February is coming to a close, but let the awareness of Heart Health continue.