Valentine’s Day is usually filled with love, friendship and romance for millions of Americans. The nation’s emergency physicians say the best way to show how much you care for your loved ones and yourself, is to get a health check-up, especially when it comes to your heart. “Heart disease is still the leading cause of fatality in the United States for men and women, accounting for 1 in every 4 deaths,” said Dr. Jay Kaplan, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Early action is essential when noticing the signs of a heart attack. The chances of survival increase when emergency treatment begins quickly. Some of the major warning signs of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or upper stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats

Women can have different heart attack symptoms then men. Whereas men might experience chest pain first, a woman might experience other common symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. If you think you are having the symptoms of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. In addition to scheduling an annual check-up now, there are steps you can take immediately to improve the health of your heart. They include:

Exercise — Daily exercise (walking, running, cycling, aerobics, etc.) is a proven way to strengthen your heart and overall health. You should be getting some exercise each day.

Diet — Fruits and vegetables are good. Foods heavy in salt are bad. Eating a healthy diet will help your heart and make you feel better. Also, carefully read the ingredients listed on food packaging to determine how much sodium is included.

Smoking — Take action now to quit smoking and to stay smoke free.

Weight — Excessive weight increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Cholesterol — Get your cholesterol check regularly and also eat foods low in saturated fat and trans fat.

Stress — On top of a healthy diet and exercise, it’s important to alleviate stress and get plenty of sleep and rest.

For more information on heart health, please go to our website www.EmergencyCareForYou.org.