Imagine you live in an area where one in three individuals face a deadly assailant coming into their home and the consequences are fatal. Also imagine there are preventative measures available to prevent this frightening intrusion. It’s likely there would be a store on every corner selling you these methods of protection, and there would be no shortage of demand from customers.

What if I told you this is your reality as a U.S. citizen, and the assailant is cardiovascular disease? Sadly, instead of taking steps to prevent being victimized by this lethal intruder, many Americans are opening their doors with unhealthy habits that provide a most hospitable welcome to the disease. February is American Heart Month aimed at heightening heart disease awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles. Let us discuss ways to recognize signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease and methods of keeping this killer away from our home.

To be capable of protecting yourself from a threat, you must first be able to identify it. Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of the blood vessels and heart responsible for harmful events such as heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks occur when there is a blockage in blood flow to the heart. Similarly, a stroke occurs due to a disruption in blood flow to the brain. In either instance, the lack of blood flow can lead to the death of affected tissues. Quick recognition of symptoms and a timely response have been shown to increase the likelihood of recovery from heart attack or stroke, but how well do we know the symptoms?

A 2005 survey of Americans across 14 different states suggests we have a ways to go in recognition. The survey participants were given six symptoms and asked to identify all that signal presentation of a heart attack. Five were actual heart attack symptoms while one of the six was incorrect. Only 31 percent of participants correctly identified all true heart attack symptoms. Even worse, only 16 percent of Americans surveyed knew the correct symptoms and would immediately call 911. Would we allow such a poor response and recognition for any other deadly assailant threatening our homes? Of course not. So let us work on improving our awareness. The actual signs of a heart attack from the American Heart Association include:

• Chest discomfort — Lasts more than a few minutes or goes and comes back. May feel like a pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Upper body discomfort — pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath — may occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs — feeling weak, lightheaded, nausea or breaking out in a cold sweat.

The other severe event often caused by cardiovascular disease is stroke. A similar recognition study was carried out across nine European countries in 2006. As you might expect by now, symptom recognition was poor with no stroke symptoms recognized by more than 50 percent of participants. Approximately half of those surveyed said they would call an ambulance when someone suffers a stroke. You can improve your ability to spot a stroke by committing the F.A.S.T acronym to memory. If a person’s Face is drooping, Arm is weak, or Speech is slurred, then it is Time to call 911. Research has shown that quick presentation to the hospital in response to these symptoms, and timely initiation of treatment may prevent impaired functional status or death.

Now that we have covered how to recognize symptoms and the importance of quickly calling 911 in response, let’s look back at the previously mentioned corner stores offering preventative measures to battle cardiovascular disease. They do exist. The only problem is not enough of us utilize them. Published research has shown a 19-percent decrease in risk of heart disease and stroke-related deaths in men with higher fitness levels over a six-year period. And while cardiac rehabilitation has been proven to decrease mortality rates by more than 30 percent, only 24 percent of heart attack survivors pursue the rehabilitative program.

Why wait until this assailant shows up at your doorstep to make a change? Visit your local gym, wellness center, recreation center or any other “store” to help you obtain the proper tools to keep the assailant out!

Travis Rogerson, BS, is an exercise specialist and can be reached at Vidant Wellness Center – Washington, at 252-975-4236.