Here are three steps you can take -- and chances are you need not go beyond the first one:
1. Find out about your risk. First, take the Framingham Risk Assessment to determine your risk of having a heart attack in the next 10 years. Chances are that you'll do much better than average.
Cholesterol levels by themselves say very little. If you do not know your blood pressure or blood test values, call your doctor's office.
You should get to know these values and what they mean.
If you experience symptoms of heart trouble or if you are concerned that you may have heart disease, skip the assessment and see your doctor right away.
A heart attack is a frightening event, and you probably don't want to think about it. But, if you learn the signs of a heart attack and what steps to take, you can save a life–maybe your own.
What are the signs of a heart attack? Many people think a heart attack is sudden and intense, like a "movie" heart attack, where a person clutches his or her chest and falls over.
The truth is that many heart attacks start slowly, as a mild pain or discomfort. If you feel such a symptom, you may not be sure what's wrong. Your symptoms may even come and go. Even those who have had a heart attack may not recognize their symptoms, because the next attack can have entirely different ones.
Women may not think they're at risk of having a heart attack–but they are. It's vital that everyone learn the warning signs of a heart attack.
These are:
CHEST DISCOMFORT. Most heart attacks involve discomfort of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
DISCOMFORT in other area of the upper body. Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck jaw, or stomach.
SHORTNESS of breath. Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort
.
OTHER SYMPTOMS. May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light headaches.
DISCOMFORT in other area of the upper body. Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck jaw, or stomach.
SHORTNESS of breath. Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort
.
OTHER SYMPTOMS. May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light headaches.
Learn the signs–but also remember: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, you should still have it checked out. Fast action can save lives-maybe your own.
2. If you are at elevated risk, consider talking to your doctor about screening options that are appropriate for your pattern of risk factors, including tests of blood lipids that predict heart disease and non – invasive cardiac imaging..
Recent research has given your doctor new tools to accurately determine what, if any, further diagnostic tests or treatments you might need. For example, traditional screening and diagnostic tests are complemented by new blood test measures such as Lp(a) lipoprotein, C-reactive protein and plasma homocysteine. Even more on the cutting edge of science are two tests that can be quite predictive: apoB/apoA1 ratio; and Lp PLA2. Calcium deposits in coronary arteries can now be visualized with noninvasive tests. Results from these tests can help determine what preventive measures or treatments would be best for you or if any further diagnostic tests are needed.
3. If the results from the above tests suggest that you may have heart disease, your doctor may suggest that you undergo further testing such as a thallium stress test or cardiac catheterization to determine the extent of the disease.
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