Heart Month is a time to focus on cardiovascular health

Worcester, Mass. – February is American Heart Month. Saint Vincent Hospital is encouraging Central Mass. residents to make heart health a priority. Heart Month represents a great time to make sure you are up to date on your health screenings. Screenings and check-ups that are often covered by insurance can alert you to health conditions that need addressing sooner rather than later. From knowing your numbers for heart health to a mammogram or colonoscopy, early detection may prevent complications down the road.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in America. Approximately 805,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. One of the most common symptoms of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms can include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness, and fainting. There are ways we can reduce or eliminate our risk of developing heart disease, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet.

The experienced team at Saint Vincent Hospital is dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive cardiac care close to home. If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition and visit our hospital for cardiac care, our dedicated teams of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, techs, respiratory therapists, and support staff are prepared to take care of you. With a full range of cardiac services including cardiac surgery, electrophysiology and cardiac rehab, patients who visit Saint Vincent Hospital can rest assured their heart is in the right place.

For more information about cardiovascular services offered at Saint Vincent Hospital, visit www.stvincenthospital.com/heart. Also, sign up for handy heart-smart information for a chance to win a smart tablet and download a heart-healthy snack booklet! To take a free online heart health assessment, visit https://www.stvincenthospital.com/health-assessments/heart-assessment.