Don't Ignore Your Heart

Perhaps one of the biggest things we take for granted is our heart. The heart beats so automatically that we rarely think about it, let alone pay attention to its health.

On December 9, 2004 Dr. Deborah Majerus, a cardiologist with the Cardiovascular Associates, P.C. in Sioux City, IA since July, 1998 spoke to more than 20 Pender area residents at the Pender Hospital. Dr. Majerus answered questions from members of the audience during the hour-long informal session. Dr. Majerus responded to questions about heart disease, cholesterol, medications, blood pressure, diet and cardiac tests and procedures. Dr. Majerus advised each person to notify their physician before discontinuing any prescription. Women are just a likely to have a heart attack as men. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.

One common question is "how do I know if I'm having a heart attack"? Heart Attacks often present with a pressure like heavy feeling in the center of the chest. This sensation can radiate or spread to the neck, shoulders or arms. Other symptoms may also be shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting and sweating. Chest pain that lasts only a few seconds is rarely ever from the heart. The pain of a heart attack will last for minutes or longer. If these symptoms occur, it is important to seek immediate attention.

This event was co-sponsored by Pender Community Hospital and Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City's Heart Center.