Fit & Well: National Heart Month

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — For this week’s Fit & Well Idaho Report: In 1963 congress passed a resolution recognizing February as National Heart Month and it’s a month designed to bring awareness to heart disease.

According to the Magic Valley SORT team, cardiac disease is the number one killer in the United States. It kills more people than lung disease, cancer and all other diseases combined.

It’s recommended that anyone who is experiencing discomfort or pain from the jaw to the belly to seek medical help. Some symptoms of cardiac disease include tightness in the chest, nausea, and shortness of breath.

“One of our biggest calls is fall injuries, but right after that our number two most frequent call is cardiac or respiratory,” said Magic Valley Paramedic, Randy Morris. “We average about 150 cardiac arrests a year; it can be 150-200, just depends on the year.”

For those who already have a known cardiac disease, the most important this is to work with your primary care physician and cardiologist to design a plan to reduce risks of secondary heart attacks. Healthy foods and low sodium diets can also help.

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