HEART DISEASE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR MEN AND WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES. ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC), ABOUT 655,000 AMERICANS DIE FROM HEART DISEASE EACH YEAR — THAT’S 1 IN EVERY 4 DEATHS.
more common heart attacks. In fact, SCAD mostly targets women exactly like Biggers — women who are in their mid-40s to mid-50s and are healthy and active. Researchers aren’t sure what causes SCAD, but just like other types of heart attacks, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and get treatment immediately.
KNOW THE SIGNS If there’s one thing we can learn from Biggers’ experience, it’s to pay attention to possible signs of a heart attack and take them seriously. Early recognition of heart attack symptoms equals
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early treatment and a better chance of survival. In her case, if she had not gone to the emergency room that day, doctors said her heart attack would have been fatal. Experiencing a heart attack may be beyond your control, but what you can do is know the signs and get to a hospital immediately. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has instilled a “Dial, Don’t Drive” campaign. About half of all heart attack patients drive themselves to the ER, not realizing the potential for cardiac arrest along the way or the risk of not going to the appropriate hospital. Calling 911 for an ambulance is more than a quick ride to the hospital. Treatment begins in the ambulance with first responders who know which hospital is best for
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