What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease refers to a number of conditions affecting the heart and its arteries.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. With CAD the hardening and narrowing of arteries makes it difficult for the heart to receive blood. It can lead to angina (chest pain or discomfort) and is the leading cause of heart attack and a major risk factor for ischemic stroke.

Arrhythmia, or a change in the heart's normal beat, is harmless for many people and increasingly common as we age. While you shouldn't panic if you have a few flutters or your heart races once in a while, you should call 911 if you have those and other symptoms, including dizziness or shortness of breath. CAD, high blood pressure and other conditions can lead to an arrhythmia.

Heart Failure means the heart isn't pumping enough blood throughout the body. The resulting fatigue and shortness of breath may make walking and other everyday activities difficult. Persistent coughing or wheezing; nausea; swelling in your feet, legs and abdomen and impaired thinking are other possible signs of heart failure.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is similar to CAD, but typically occurs in the arteries of the pelvis and legs. While you may not have symptoms, the most typical sign is painful cramping in the hips, thighs or calves while walking, climbing stairs or exercising. Pain usually stops within a few minutes of ending the activity. PAD increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Free PAD Screenings at Desert Springs Hospital
Click here for details. Call 702-369-7979 to schedule your peripheral arterial disease (PAD) screening.

Heart Attack Symptoms

Head and Neck
You may feel light-headed and/or have pain in your neck or jaw. Men are less likely than women to have jaw pain.

Chest
Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the chest -- the most common symptom -- may last more than a few minutes, or go away and come back.

Arms and Back
You may feel pain or discomfort in one or both arms and your back. Men are less likely than women to feel back pain.

Lungs
Shortness of breath can occur with or without chest discomfort and is more common in women than men.

Skin
You may break into a cold sweat.

Stomach
You may feel pain or discomfort in your stomach and experience nausea/vomiting.

Stroke Symptoms

Cognitive
You may suddenly experience trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination. Sudden confusion and trouble speaking or understanding can also occur.

Head
You may get a sudden, severe headache with no known cause and have sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face may occur, especially on one side. A visible droop may be seen in the lips or other area.

Arms and Legs
Sudden numbness or weakness of the arms or legs, especially on one side of the body, may occur.

An Open Heart Story: The McCoy Family
Harold McCoy and his wife, Vincie, celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last July. Together they've watched their family grow to five children, 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. They also remember the challenges.

Mr. McCoy underwent triple bypass heart surgery in 2008 at Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center. "The Heart Program coordinator and the nurses were top notch," he said. "Tami Vogel, RN, visited me everyday, kept me informed and made me feel well taken care of."

Learn more about heart services at Spring Valley Hospital online at www.www.IchooseSpringValley.com. Select Cardiology under Centers & Services.

Heart Care You Can Count On
Read about emergency and cardiac services available throughout The Valley Health System online at www.IchooseValleyHealthSystem.com. Select the hospital of your choice. Then click on Hospital Services.

Save the Date
Celebrating Women -- Stroke Awareness Tea for Senior Advantage Members
May 7, 11:30 AM to 1 PM
Valley Hospital – 2020 Goldring
Lunch included
To register, please call 702-388-4888.

For more events, please click here, or visit www.IchooseValleyHealthSystem.com and click on Senior Advantage.

Need Help Finding a Physician or Cardiologist?
Contact Direct Doctors^SM Plus referral line at 702-388-4888 or 1-800-879-0980.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106