By Dwayne McLaughlin and Sheldon Spackman

Heart Health

Know the signs of heart attack or stroke, February is Heart Month

Feb 5, 2021 | 10:02 AM

February is Heart Month and officials with the Heart & Stroke Foundation are encouraging Albertans to familiarize themselves with the signs of a heart attack or stroke.

According to Heart & Stroke Foundation officials, nine in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease (HD) and stroke, while 80 per cent of premature death from these diseases are said to be preventable by adopting healthy lifestyle choices.

Officials say Heart Month is a great time for people to learn the signs of heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest.

Jennifer Michaud, Coordinator of Health Promotion and Research with the Heart & Stroke Foundation – Alberta Chapter, says that due to the pandemic this year, their signature fundraiser – door-to-door Heart Month canvassing, is going completely virtual.

“You won’t see those Heart Month volunteers at your door, everything is going on line, but the goal is still the same to raise money in order to spread awareness, save lives, promote health, and fund important research.”

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Heart Month has been the organization’s primary fundraising initiative for nearly 70 years. In 1952, a group of cardiologists and their families braved the cold to ask neighbours for donations to support heart research.

Since then, hundreds of volunteers in Red Deer and central Alberta have continued that tradition, raising awareness of heart disease and stroke and raising funds for research.

If you experience or witness the signs of stroke, heart attack or cardiac arrest, you must call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately, even during a pandemic, say Heart & Stroke officials.

Examples of good heart health, according to Michaud, are things like remembering to take breaks and stretch when you’re working from home, or going for a walk on your lunch break – being more physically active.

Signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort, sweating, upper body discomfort, nausea, shortness of breath and light headedness.

For both men and women, the most common heart attack sign is said to be chest pain or discomfort. However, women can experience a heart attack without chest pressure.

Symptoms to make note of for women include pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, light-headedness or fainting, upper back pressure or extreme fatigue.

If you experience any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Signs of a stroke include:

• Face, is it drooping?
• Arms, can you raise both?
• Speech, is it slurred or jumbled?
• Time, to call 9-1-1 right away.

Officials say act FAST, because the quicker you act, the more of the person you save.

For more information, visit: www.heartandstroke.ca.