Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States – more than cancer, accidents, and communicable diseases.

Each year, nearly one in four deaths is caused by heart disease, but luckily, this is something we can all work together to change. There are many risk factors for heart disease: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, overweight and obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity and alcohol use. Many of these risk factors can be modified or eliminated by choosing to lead a healthy lifestyle.

By living better and learning about heart disease risk factors and symptoms, we can reduce the number of people in our community who die of cardiovascular disease.

Many people are unaware that they may be at risk of a heart attack. It is important to recognize the signs of a heart attack and to act immediately by calling 9–1–1. A person's chances of surviving a heart attack are much better if emergency treatment is given to the victim as soon as possible.

Not everyone will have all of the symptoms, so even if you aren’t sure it’s a heart attack, you should still get checked out by a doctor. If you have any of these symptoms, don’t delay, get help right away!

The five major symptoms of a heart attack are—

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
• Chest pain, pressure or discomfort.
• Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
• Shortness of breath.

For both men and women, the most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are more likely than men to experience some of the other symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and pain in the back or jaw.

Carson City is already leading the state by having the lowest rate of cardiovascular disease, but we can do even better! This Friday is National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease in women. Let’s all wear red to show that Carson City loves healthy hearts!

For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at http://www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at http://www.facebook.com/cchhs .

Carson City Health and Human Services
Clinic Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment
900 East Long Street, Carson City
775-887-2195

Well Child visits are Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Men’s Clinic is on Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Call for an appointment: 775-887-2195

Thursday is Immunization Day − No appointment needed
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NEW! Douglas County Community Health
1538 Highway 395 North
(Corner of Spruce St. & Cemetery Ln.)
Call 775-782-9038 for more information.