Heart disease is a leading cause of death and disability for adults in Gaston County. It affects adults of all ages and economic levels.  It is important to know the risk factors, evaluate your own personal risk and keep regular appointments with your physician.

Modifiable Risk Factors

• High Cholesterol
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Lack of regular exercise
• Stress

Heart Attack and Stroke are life-threatening events.  Know the warning signs.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is having a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. 

Heart Attack Warning Signs

• Chest discomfort or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness.

For females, the chest pain may come and go.  The pain or discomfort may be in the upper abdomen rather than the center of the chest.  A woman may also feel tired or weak when doing things that used to be easy. 

Stroke Warning Signs – Remember the acronym F.A.S.T.

• Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop is it numb?  Ask the person to smile.  Is this their normal smile?
• Arm – Is one arm weak or numb?  Ask the person to raise both arms.  Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or hard to understand.

If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 immediately.