AMARILLO, TEXAS -- It's February, a month, of course, that's full of hearts and love.
What better way to show your own heart some love then by recognizing American Heart Month.
Pronews 7 has some startling numbers on the leading cause of death in the United States.
One in every three deaths in this country is from heart disease and stroke. That's 2,200 deaths every day. For women, heart disease is the number one killer.
"It affects men and women equally. Less clear symptoms in women as compared to men and sometimes confusing symptoms to where they fail to recognize, sometimes ignore, delay in presentation, and delay in seeking help," said Dr. Assadour Assadourian, Cardiology Center of Amarillo.
American Heart Month is dedicated to educating all of us about risk factors and prevention. It's something the American Heart Association has been passionate about for years, with it's "Go Red for Women".
"We need to know our cardiovascular health risk. Know that we need to quit smoking. Be aware on what our weight is, our blood pressure, eat healthy, exercise, get out there, get moving, and love our heart," said Krista Markham, American Heart Association.
The key is knowing what warning signs to look for.
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
At age 25, you should be very conscious of your risks.
"You certainly need to have your risk modified. Reduce the weight, eat healthy, lower your cholesterol, if you have it or have high cholesterol," said Dr. Assadourian.
All ways you can love your heart this Valentines Season.
National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 3, 2012.
For more educational information and other warning signs, click here.
