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"GO RED" for Cardiac Health

Celebrate the important people in your life!

To contribute to the Cardiac Stress Test fundraiser please call 343.3690

In memory of…
William and Mary Ellen Blust
Jim and Barb Heim
Christie Johnson
James F. Jackson

In honor of…
Laura Marentette

Coronary heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the #3 cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious disability. That’s why it is so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.

Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies – every second counts. If you see or have any of the following symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Not all of these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes symptoms go away and return. Do not delay…get help right away!

 HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense – the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what is happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are the signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

  • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath. With or without chest discomfort.
  • Other signs. Can include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Laura Marentette,

Wife, mother, community volunteer

Laura MarentetteAt 39, cardiac health took on a whole new meaning for me. With symptoms of shortness of breath, chest, jaw and arm pain and dizziness, I sought treatment from Dr. Beasley at the Evergreen Clinic. Even though I’m physically active and do not smoke, Dr. Beasley suspected heart trouble and sent me for a cardiac stress test at West Branch Regional Medical Center. After failing my initial stress test he referred me to Dr. Lee who continued the testing process along with a 64-slice cardiac CT (computed tomography) scan. The test results showed a 90% blockage in one of my major heart arteries and required immediate surgery. West Branch Regional Medical Center and Drs. Lee, Waack and Beasley saved my life. The medical center performs over 200 stress tests per month and this new cardiac stress test system will update the second stress room to its capacity. This new equipment will assist the medical staff in diagnosing heart disease in our community. Without the cardiac capabilities of our medical center I wouldn’t be here today to tell you my story.  

STROKE WARNING SIGNS
If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don’t delay! Immediately call 9-1-1.

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK (TIA) WARNING SIGNS
A TIA is a “warning stroke” or “mini stroke” that produces stroke-like symptoms but no lasting damage. Recognizing and treating TIA’s can reduce your risk of a major stroke. The usual TIA symptoms are the same as those of a stroke, only temporary. The short duration of these symptoms and lack of permanent brain injury is the main difference between TIA and stroke.  

CARDIAC ARREST WARNING SIGNS
Strikes immediately and without warning. If you are with someone who experiences cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 immediately and begin CPR.

  • Sudden loss of responsiveness (no response to tapping on the shoulders).
  • No normal breathing (the victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds).

For additional heart information please visit www.heart.org.



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