NORFOLK, Va. — February is Heart Health Awareness Month, and cardiologists are stressing the importance of recognizing the symptoms.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, according to the American Heart Association. For women the risk can be even greater.
"One in three women will have heart disease in their lifetime, and one in three women will die from heart disease in their lifetime," said Dr. Alexandra Ward, the medical director of the Women's Health Center, Riverside Cardiology.
Ward said there are several obvious signs that might indicate trouble with your heart. This includes any pain or pressure in your chest, but she also said there are several more subtle signs people should be aware of.
Signs of cardiac issues include shortness of breath, feeling hot and sweaty all over, nausea and extreme fatigue.
"Especially in women do we see signs like this," said Ward. "Combine these symptoms with chest pain and there could be an indication for cardiac arrest."
Even something as innocuous as your dental health can have an impact on your heart's health.
"Having issues with gums, teeth, especially bacteria," explained Ward. "If that bacteria gets into the blood stream then it can actually latch onto heart valves. Or let's say someone has a device like a pacemaker or an artificial heart valve, then it can create a bacterial infection in the heart."
While February is Heart Health Awareness Month, Dr. Ward said knowing the risks and symptoms of heart disease should be a year-long practice.
She encouraged everyone to book an appointment with their care provider to check for any problems.
For more information on heart disease, visit the American Heart Association’s website.