CARDIOLOGY IN CENTRAL LOUISIANA
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RISK FACTORS

The first three factors (heredity, aging and gender) cannot be changed, but the remaining factors can be controlled (with the help of your physician) to improve health and reduce the risk of early death due to coronary heart disease. See your physician for ways you can maintain a healthy heart and a healthy lifestyle.

  • FAMILY HISTORY

    (FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE)
  • AGING

    (OVER AGE 40)
  • GENDER

    (MEN OR POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN)
  • TOBACCO USE

  • ELEVATED CHOLESTEROL

  • DIABETES MELLITUS

  • HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

    (HYPERTENSION)
  • LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

  • ALCOHOL

  • OBESITY

  • KIDNEY DISEASE

  • RHEUMATOLOGICAL DISEASE

SYMPTOMS OF A HEART ATTACK

(MI - Myocardial Infarction)

If these symptoms are new or last longer than 15 minutes, stop whatever you are doing and sit or lie down. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately. If known or suspected coronary artery disease and nitroglycerin is available, take one every 3-5 minutes up to three.

  • Chest pain, chest pressure or chest tightness

  • A feeling of indigestion, fullness, burning or heaviness in the chest

  • Sudden shortness of breath

  • Fatigue

  • Choking feeling

  • Palpitations

  • Feeling of impending doom

These symptoms can occur anywhere in the upper body, chest, back, jaw, or sholder blades, and may spread to one or both arms.Other symptoms may be:

  • Sweating (cold or hot)

  • Nausea and/or vomiting

  • Dizziness

  • Fainting or near fainting

The symptoms of a heart attack vary, both in the amount of pain and where it occurs. Therefore, it is important to describe symptoms to your physician and nurse as accurately as possible.

SYMPTOMS OF CONGESTIVE
HEART FAILURE

(CHF)

  • A sudden weight gain (2-5 pounds in 1-4 days); weigh yourself daily and at the same time each day.
  • Swelling of the lower extremities (legs, ankles).
  • Shortness of breath (may be continuous, with exertion or may awaken you at night).
  • Frequent, dry, hacking cough without sputum (especially when lying down).
  • General fatigue.

These symptoms of heart failure occur when the heart fails to pump blood effectively and blood backs up in the heart and other organs.

MAJOR RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE INCLUDE


  • Heredity (family history of heart disease)
  • Aging (over age 40)
  • Gender (Men or post-menopausal women)
  • Smoking
  • Elevated Cholesterol
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Obesity

The first three factors (heredity, aging and gender) cannot be changed, but the remaining factors can be controlled (with the help of your physician) to improve health and reduce the risk of early death due to coronary heart disease.

See your physician for ways you can maintain a healthy heart and a healthy lifestyle.

Words from our patients

Testimonials


  • "I wouldn't trust my heart in anyone else's hands. Thank you Cenla Heart Specialist and staff for always making me feel comfortable, and keeping this heart beating."
    - Nichole M.