Heart Disease

July 3, 2009

Here are some warning signs of a heart attack from the American Heart Association:

Chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, and cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the chest that can last more than a few minutes to a few weeks. It could present as pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. You could also have pain in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach. It is critical not to dismiss any of these symptoms and to seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out a heart attack. This will have a big factor in damage to your heart and survival.

Here’s my story, because I always have at least one About seven years ago, my Dad was in excellent physical shape. He was 70 years old and was playing up to four softball games a week (sometimes three in one day), working full time at Optimum Health Institute in CA, and eating a healthy diet (mostly vegetarian). One day I got a phone call from my Mom saying he had had a heart attack. What? How did that happen? He had started feeling bad three weeks prior. Chest pain and other symptoms, but continued to go about his day. The only thing that brought him into the doctor that day was because in his softball game he had gone 0 for 4 and he thought something must be wrong. If you don’t know anything about baseball, that means he didn’t get a hit that day. Again, he just went to the doctor that day after three weeks of discomfort. The doctor told him he’d been having a heart attack for three weeks. His heart muscle was (and still is) working at 30%. Heart muscle does not repair itself. Yes, the doctor’s were surprised he was still alive. To this day, when he walks into the doctor’s office, they say to him “I can’t believe you are still here.” I tell him it’s time to get a new doctor.

Obviously, with my Dad being in such good physical shape, blood is pumping through his body without the full help of his heart. He’s still around although cannot work and has trouble walking upstairs and is learning more and more about himself and his family every day. It’s not his time; he has more work to do. And yes, he fights sadness and negativity every day.

It is vitally important to have your muscle’s working to their optimum efficiency to support healthy blood movement. Staying active and eating healthy are two important factors in heart health. I’m writing this because I have been thinking a lot about the recent deaths of some celebrities. Better lifestyle habits can help reduce your risk of a heart attack and help to maintain a healthy heart, mind and body. Choosing the right foods, managing your weight, and exercise. Emotional health is just as important. As with my Dad, sometimes eating healthy and exercise aren’t the only things to avoid heart disease.

Heart disease is the number one killer of American women. Don’t ignore the signs. What else can cause heart disease? Weight-loss supplements and recreational drug use may cause life-threatening cardiac complications. Is it time for you to start a healthier lifestyle? How about doing it for your kids? How about teaching your children healthy habits now?

I just closed my business. Amazing, but my physical body already feels better. The stress alone was hurting every muscle in my body. And yes, it would’ve eventually hurt me in other ways. I’m convinced of that. Look at how you really feel and trust your intuition. Don’t ignore the physical or the emotional signs.

Have a safe and happy Fourth!