Protect Your Heart

According to The Heart Foundation, someone suffers a heart attack in the United States every 34 seconds (www.heartfoundation.org). Of the 720,000 heart attacks each year, nearly 205,000 individuals are repeat patients, while 515,000 are first-time victims.

Understanding the severity and frequency of heart disease, raising awareness and prevention has become a national initiative. One such initiative is Million Hearts, whose goal is to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017, with an even greater impact over time (millionhearts.hhs.gov).

While not all heart disease is preventable, measures can be taken to decrease the risk and educate individuals about the causes and symptoms of heart disease. Therefore, Santa Rosa County Emergency Management and Lifeguard Ambulance Service are joining together to do their part in raising awareness to the local community.

Prevent/Decrease Risk of Heart Disease:

  • Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet
  • Monitor sodium and fat intake
  • Quit smoking or do not start smoking
  • Be physically active
  • Know/understand possible symptoms
  • See a primary care physician for routine follow-up
  • Be aware of family’s medical history

Be Aware of Higher Risk Factors:

  • High blood pressure
  • High LDL cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Poor diet
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Hereditary

Understand Potential Symptoms:

  • Some symptoms are listed below, although this does not encompass the full list of potential cardiovascular symptoms.
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Numbness/pain in arms
  • Heartburn
  • Lightheadedness
  • Fatigue
  • Rapid or irregular pulse
  • Nausea
  • Cold sweat
  • Pain in neck, jaw, throat, back or upper abdomen

It is important to remember that all cardiovascular events, including strokes and heart attacks, do not present the same symptoms for all individuals and vary between males and females. Furthermore, some symptoms are persistent but may not seem related to cardiovascular concerns.

If your health changes, contact your physician to discuss your issues and concerns. However, if you think you are experiencing a cardiovascular emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, contact 9-1-1 immediately.


The following information regarding the Aviation Consumer Protection Division is provided to comply with 49 U.S.C. Section 42302. The DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division’s contact information is as follows:

Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75
U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE. Washington, DC 20590
202-366-2220 (TTY 202-336-0511), 1-866-TELL-FAA (1-866-835-5322)