Inspira Health Network

Half of Americans are at some risk for heart disease. are you? Partner with Inspira Health Network to take control of your heart health. Heart disease causes one in four deaths in the United States every year. Protect your health by educating yourself about two of the greatest risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure and high cholesterol. function. Talk with your doctor to find out if you are at increased risk for heart disease. Signs to Get Help Know Your Numbers Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that occurs naturally in the blood. While we all need some cholesterol to live, high levels build up inside the artery walls. A narrowed artery is prone to be blocked by a piece of plaque that breaks free, causing a heart attack. Because you need to have a blood test to check your numbers, scheduling an annual physical is fundamental to heart health. Don't assume your cholesterol levels are healthy — get tested. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can stress or weaken your blood vessels and usually has no symptoms. Regular screening for high blood pressure during your annual physical is extremely important, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or hypertension. Cardiac risk assessments also provide hypertension screenings that can keep you in the know about your blood pressure. If you are at risk for heart disease or if other diagnostics are needed, an electrocardiogram (EKG) is also important for your heart health. This simple, painless test provides a baseline measurement of heart Q it l u Although heart disease typically has no symptoms, the following may be signs of a heart attack: • back and jaw pain • nausea/vomiting • pain, pressure and squeezing in the chest • shortness of breath If you think someone is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Getting help within an hour of an attack doubles the chances of survival. For information about cardiac risk screening, call 1-800-INSPIRA or visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org. iNe NJ Cigarette smoking is the biggest preventable risk factor for developing heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms and peripheral vascular disease; it doubles the risk of stroke and has been linked to many other diseases in smokers and those around them, particularly their spouses and children. Work with your health care providers to help you (or your loved ones) quit smoking. If you're ready to do so, you can also utilize NJ Quitline, a free telephone counseling service sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Health. Call 866-657-8677 today. 6 FALL 2013 "Inspira Health Network is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of chest pain and heart disease. In addition to our advanced emergency capabilities, we perform thousands of heart stress tests and echocardiograms to help diagnose and manage heart and cardiovascular conditions." — Kurt W. Kaulback, M.D., Cardiologist IHN Family & Friends

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