With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noting that heart disease is the foremost cause of death and disability in the United States, February is observed as the American Heart Month, so as to bring about an increased awareness about the prevalence of heart disease in America, as well as its symptoms and severity.

As per the American Heart Association (AHA) it is pertinent that Americans be made aware of the four most common kinds of cardiovascular disease – heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and heart failure.

As such, the key aim behind the American Heart Month is to suggest lifestyle changes for improving the people’s quality of life; reducing their heart disease risk; and empowering them to take requisite action in case of a heart attack or stroke.

Emphasizing that at least one American will experience a coronary episode every 25 seconds and one person might die every minute, the CDC has listed some of the common heart attack warning signs which include - pain or uneasiness in the jaw, neck, back, chest, arms and shoulders; cold sweat; nausea; weakness or lightheadedness; pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder; and shortness of breath.

The recognition of the symptoms of heart attack and stroke is helpful, and timely medical attention can go a long way in improving the outcome of the heart disease cases.