Heart Disease Archives | MedicAlert Foundation The Real Medical ID, MedicAlert medical IDs provide protection in an emergency. Backed by our 24/7 emergency services, genuine MedicAlert IDs are globally recognized by first responders and medical professionals. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:36:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://blog.medicalert.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-favicon-32x32-1-32x32.png Heart Disease Archives | MedicAlert Foundation 32 32 192520198 Know the Early Signs of Heart Disease /early-signs-heart-disease/ /early-signs-heart-disease/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:20:03 +0000 https://blog.medicalert.org/?p=37107 More than 30 million Americans have heart disease. The good news is that some types are preventable - if you take action early.

The post Know the Early Signs of Heart Disease appeared first on MedicAlert Foundation.

]]>
Learn how to detect the early signs of heart disease.

Know the Early Signs of Heart Disease

More than 30 million Americans have heart disease. The good news is that some types are preventable – if you take action early.
Shop Medical IDs

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. In many cases, it’s preventable with lifestyle changes and early intervention. The problem? Many people don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late.

We spoke to Nurse Practitioner Kelly Wozneak with the University of Virginia Health System. With over 20 years of experience in cardiology, she breaks it down in real talk: What should you watch for? And what can you do today to keep your heart strong for years to come?

Family History: A Major Risk Factor

One of the biggest risk factors for heart disease is something you can’t control—your genetics. If a close relative (parent, sibling, or grandparent) has had heart disease, especially at a young age, your risk is significantly higher. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed—it just means you need to be proactive.

Here’s what you should do if you have a family history of heart disease:

  • Start early – Get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels checked regularly, even in your 20s and 30s. Men older than age 45 and women past menopause have the highest risk of a heart event.
  • Reduce diabetes risk – Diabetes is a huge risk factor for heart disease; adults with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cardiac disease or stroke than those without. Understanding and controlling your blood sugar can help you avoid diabetes altogether.
  • Be vigilant about symptoms – Don’t ignore warning signs, even if they seem minor. If you have symptoms, get checked out right away. And don’t be afraid to seek a professional opinion, or ask for a referral to a cardiologist. Remember, you are the best advocate for your own health.
  • Live a heart-healthy lifestyle – Since you may have a higher baseline risk, healthy habits like diet, exercise, and stress management are even more critical.

Heart Disease Symptoms in Women: Different and Often Overlooked

Women often experience heart disease symptoms differently than men, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. While men are more likely to report classic chest pain, women may experience:

  • Pain in the Neck, Jaw, or Back – More common in women than men.
  • Unusual Fatigue – Feeling extremely tired, even without exertion.
  • Shortness of Breath – Even without chest discomfort.
  • Nausea or Vomiting – Often mistaken for indigestion or flu.
  • Lightheadedness or Dizziness – Can signal reduced blood flow to the brain.
  • Upper Abdominal Pain or Pressure – Sometimes mistaken for acid reflux or a stomach issue.
  • Sweating Without Exertion – Cold sweats or clammy skin can indicate heart trouble.
  • Sleep Disturbances – Trouble falling or staying asleep, especially if combined with other symptoms.
It's important to know the early signs of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about any concerns.

“These symptoms can be sneaky,” says Wozneak. “If you’re brushing off discomfort because you’re ‘too busy’ or ‘it’s probably nothing,’ stop right there. Paying attention to these red flags and seeking help is the best thing you can do for yourself.”

Compared with men, women tend to have symptoms more often while resting. Women also tend to experience heart disease later than men. While heart disease can strike anyone at any age, typically men’s risk starts to increase at age 45. For women, risk increases once menstruation stops, around age 55.

Since symptoms can be subtle, women should be especially proactive about their heart health and not dismiss these signs. If something feels off, get checked out—it’s always better to be safe.

Early Warning Signs: Don’t Ignore These Clues

Heart disease doesn’t always announce itself with crushing chest pain like in the movies. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Chest Discomfort – “If your chest is feeling tight, heavy, or just ‘off’—like there’s an elephant sitting on it—pay attention,” says Wozneak. “Even mild discomfort that comes and goes could be a red flag.”
  • Shortness of Breath – If walking up a flight of stairs suddenly feels like climbing Everest, don’t brush it off. It could mean your heart isn’t pumping efficiently.  Even exercise-induced shortness of breath can be a concern for heart disease, especially if it is new, worsening, or happens with minimal exertion.
  • Fatigue – “I’m not talking about ‘I worked hard then stayed up too late’ tired,” says Wozneak. “This is deep, unexplained exhaustion that doesn’t go away.”
  • Swelling in Your Legs or Feet – Fluid retention, especially in the lower extremities, could indicate heart failure.
  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness – Do you feel woozy when you stand up? It might be a sign your heart isn’t circulating blood properly.
  • Irregular Heartbeat – “If your heart’s got its own drum solo going on, and it’s not in rhythm, get it checked right away,” Wozneak warns.

Ignoring these symptoms won’t make them go away—in fact, they can lead to a serious cardiac event. So, what can you do to take control of your heart health and improve your chances of avoiding serious heart disease?

Heart-Smart Habits to Adopt Today

The good news is that heart disease can be preventable if you’re proactive. Even if you feel fine now, taking preventive measures can dramatically reduce your risk of developing heart disease later. And if you’ve already been diagnosed with some type of heart disease, these habits can help slow down disease progression.

1. Move More—Even a Little Helps!

Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your heart strong. “Don’t forget, your heart is a muscle,” Wozneak says. “Just get moving! A 30-minute walk most days can do wonders.”

Calling it “exercise” is off-putting to some. If the gym isn’t your thing, find an activity you enjoy—dancing, swimming, gardening—or even chasing your dog or grandkids around the yard. Just move.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with heart disease, consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

2. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods

A balanced diet can keep cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight in check. Stick to these guidelines:

  • Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  • Limit processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats. Sodas are especially problematic as they deliver lots of sugar with no nutritional value. Experts recommend cutting them out altogether.
  • “If the ingredient list looks like a chemistry experiment, maybe don’t eat it,” Wozneak advises.
  • One simple change is to swap out salty snacks for nuts, seeds, or hummus.

According to the National Institutes of Health, good diets to prevent or manage heart disease are the Mediterranean diet or DASH diet. Plant-based diets are also a good option.

3. Manage Stress—Seriously, It’s Important

Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. Find ways to relax—whether it’s yoga, meditation, deep breathing, listening to music, or laughing with friends.

“Stress is like bad weather—it messes up everything. So do what you need to do to unplug for at least a short period every day,” says Wozneak.

4. Quit Smoking and Cut Back on Alcohol

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your heart.

As far as alcohol, there’s been a lot of press lately suggesting that any alcohol is bad for you. If you choose to partake, alcohol should be consumed in moderation. “One glass of wine? Fine. A bottle? Not so much,” Wozneak says.

5. Keep Up with Regular Check-Ups

Seeing your doctor regularly can help catch issues before they become serious. Make sure to monitor:

  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol levels
  • Blood sugar (especially if you have diabetes risk factors)
Regular checkups are a good way to detect early signs of heart disease.

Why MedicAlert Matters for Your Heart Health

If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or other risk factors, wearing a MedicAlert ID can be life-saving in an emergency. In case of a cardiac event, first responders can access your medical history immediately, ensuring you get the right care, fast.

“Minutes matter in a cardiac emergency,” Wozneak reminds us. “A MedicAlert ID can literally be the difference between life and death.”

The Bottom Line: Start Today

Taking care of your heart doesn’t have to mean a total lifestyle overhaul overnight. Small changes—like adding a short walk to your day, swapping out fried foods for fresh ones, or managing stress—can add up to big benefits over time.

“Your heart works hard for you every day,” says Wozneak. “Show it some love back!”

By knowing the early signs of heart disease, you can be proactive to minimize your risk factors. And remember—if something feels off, don’t ignore it. Get checked out. Your heart will thank you.

For resources on heart health and how MedicAlert can help, read more here.

MedicAlert can help you live boldly with a heart condition.

MedicAlert Membership
24/7 Protection

Learn more →

MedicAlert Member Benefits

Give yourself and your loved one peace of mind with a MedicAlert membership.

Enjoy life-saving benefits and store your comprehensive health history for emergency treatment.
Become a Member

Wearable Medical IDs
for Heart Disease

Learn more →

Wearable MedicAlert IDs

MedicAlert is the inventor of and leader in wearable medical identification.

A medical ID communicates vital medical information to first responders so you can receive the care you need.
Shop Wearable IDs

QR Code IDs
Scannable Medical IDs

Learn more →

QR Code Digital IDs

Protect yourself by storing critical information about your conditions, medications, and implanted devices accessible via a QR code ID.

Perfect for people with multiple conditions and complicated histories.
Shop QR Code IDs

The post Know the Early Signs of Heart Disease appeared first on MedicAlert Foundation.

]]> /early-signs-heart-disease/feed/ 0 37107 Surviving a Sudden Heart Attack: Frank and Debbie’s Story /member-stories/surviving-sudden-heart-attack/ /member-stories/surviving-sudden-heart-attack/#respond Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:23:28 +0000 https://blog.medicalert.org/?post_type=stories&p=29086 Surviving a Sudden Heart Attack: Frank and Debbie’s Story Each year, more than 800,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack. While medical advances have contributed to a decline in death rates from cardiac conditions, hundreds of people who experience a heart attack might not survive it. Frank and Debbie, MedicAlert members since 2018, […]

The post Surviving a Sudden Heart Attack: Frank and Debbie’s Story appeared first on MedicAlert Foundation.

]]>

Surviving a Sudden Heart Attack:
Frank and Debbie’s Story

Each year, more than 800,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack. While medical advances have contributed to a decline in death rates from cardiac conditions, hundreds of people who experience a heart attack might not survive it. Frank and Debbie, MedicAlert members since 2018, share an amazing story proving it doesn’t have to be this way.

It all began with a trip to the hardware store—Frank’s favorite hangout. Debbie’s idea of shopping didn’t involve wandering up and down dozens of aisles stocked with an endless supply of power tools and plumbing supplies. So, she decided to let Frank have his fun while she relaxed in the car.

Little did Debbie know the unthinkable would soon interrupt Frank’s favorite pastime.

frank and debbie sitting together on chair

Want to learn more?

About Heart Disease

Learn more about this condition on the medical conditions page.

Read More >

Other Conditions

Read about other conditions that our MedicAlert members live with.

Read More >

When the unexpected hits home

Picture Debbie, sitting in the car, without a care in the world and clueless about the unfolding drama inside the hardware store. Sure, she glanced at an ambulance as it whizzed by mere minutes ago, but she never gave it a second thought. You’ve seen one ambulance—you’ve seen them all, right? Debbie remained in relax mode after this, but the ringing from her phone suddenly interrupted her.

After answering “hello,” the person on the other end identified themselves as MedicAlert. For Debbie, this could mean only one thing—her beloved husband was in trouble. Debbie couldn’t believe it. She watched an ambulance go by, not realizing it was for Frank.

The initial panic she felt was overwhelming, but the person on the line was calm as they explained that someone in the store found Frank unconscious. Emergency responders arrived quickly and immediately noticed his MedicAlert ID. In an instant, a MedicAlert operator was on the line with the paramedics.  

“

It's the reassurance that, in uncertainty,

we have a support system

that goes beyond the ordinary. MedicAlert isn't just an emergency service—it's our guardian in crisis.

Frank & Debbie, MedicAlert Members since 2018

Facts About Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2020, there were 928,741 deaths.

25.5% of US Adults have high LDL-C otherwise known as the "bad cholesterol".

Every 34 seconds someone dies of cardiovascular disease in the US. This accounts for 2544 US deaths from CVD per day.

What followed was a testament to MedicAlert’s efficiency. The MedicAlert operator provided Frank’s medical history directly to the paramedics. At the same time, operators contacted Debbie. Not only did MedicAlert provide the details of what transpired in the hardware store, they also gave Debbie the reassuring news that Frank was on his way to the hospital. She rushed to meet him.

By the time Debbie reached the hospital, treatment was already well underway for what turned out to be a sudden heart attack. The ER doctor had Frank’s detailed medical information before he arrived, thanks to MedicAlert. He told Debbie that this made a huge difference—and it even saved Frank’s life. That day, in the emergency room, MedicAlert’s impact became clear.

In a crisis, MedicAlert’s ability to share crucial information turned out to be critical in getting timely and informed medical care.

Frank & Debbie... and MedicAlert Today

Members since 2018, Frank and Debbie see MedicAlert as more than just an accessory. It’s a symbol of security. The couple is grateful for MedicAlert, stating that their “gratitude goes beyond words.”

“It’s the reassurance that, in uncertainty, we have a support system that goes beyond the ordinary. MedicAlert isn’t just an emergency service—it’s our guardian in crisis.”

Debbie jokes about how she used to playfully remind Frank to wear his MedicAlert ID. Recognizing MedicAlert’s immeasurable importance, today, Frank wears his Medical ID without hesitation.

Get started with MedicAlert.

Explore Protection Plans
Browse Medical IDs
Meet Our Members
Share Your Story

Read more about MedicAlert members

Alzheimer’s & Caregiving

Read More »
Alzheimer's

The post Surviving a Sudden Heart Attack: Frank and Debbie’s Story appeared first on MedicAlert Foundation.

]]> /member-stories/surviving-sudden-heart-attack/feed/ 0 29086 Surviving a Widow Maker Heart Attack /member-stories/widow-maker-heart-attack/ /member-stories/widow-maker-heart-attack/#respond Mon, 29 Jan 2024 17:00:39 +0000 https://blog.medicalert.org/?post_type=stories&p=26702 The post Surviving a Widow Maker Heart Attack appeared first on MedicAlert Foundation.

]]>

Surviving a Widow Maker Heart Attack

To say Joe C. is passionate about music would be an understatement. This 58-year-old father of two beautiful daughters earned a living as a successful traveling musician for years. That is, until he was diagnosed with multiple heart conditions after surviving a widow maker heart attack.

Living with heart disease made it impossible for Joe to continue traveling the country to perform for his fans. Yet today, he says “although I’m permanently disabled and money is tight, each day I open my eyes is a blessing, and I’m making every day count.”

To keep living each day to the fullest, Joe knows he has to do everything he can to stay healthy and safe. This is why he didn’t hesitate when his doctor suggested he look into the life-saving technology that comes with wearing medical identification jewelry such as MedicAlert bracelets.

Red heart with cardiogram pulse trace

Want to learn more?

About Heart Disease

Learn more about this condition on the medical conditions page.
Read More >

Other Conditions

Read about other conditions that our MedicAlert members live with.
Read More >

Being diagnosed with Ischemic Heart Disease, Angina, and Hyperlipidemia

Prior to Joe’s near fatal widow maker heart attack, Joe suffered a silent heart attack. It was at that time he was diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, angina, and hyperlipidemia. Joe’s doctors discovered he was also allergic to isosorbide. This life-saving treatment for angina turned out to be a double-edged sword for Joe. With so many side effects and dangerous drug interactions, it was important for Joe’s family and medical emergency response teams to understand and have access to this critical allergies alert.

So what did Joe do? He made the smart decision to obtain not one, but two MedicAlert bracelets to ensure that his personal medical history and emergency medical details were easily accessible in case of an accident or other medical emergency. Having two medical bracelets as part of Joe’s emergency preparedness plan saved his life.

“When I suffered a widow maker heart attack, my wife [of 30 years] was so distraught that she wasn’t able to tell the paramedics of all my heart issues,” explains Joe. “The paramedics cut off my MedicAlert bracelets and read the back of each. These two bracelets note my heart conditions and allergies. They saved my life!”

My Heart Attack Survival Plan

There are many components to every heart attack survival plan. One of the most important components is paramedic communication to ensure the safety and accuracy of emergency treatment plans.

Joe has been a MedicAlert member since 2015, and he has no plans to change this. “Having these bracelets have truly saved my life.”

The Many Faces of Heart Disease

Because Joe lives with multiple heart conditions (ischemic heart disease, angina, and hyperlipidemia) day-to-day living can be challenging. The symptoms alone can cause any number of medical emergencies, leading to frequent visits to the emergency room (ER).

Facts About
Heart Disease

Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history of heart disease are risk factors.

Widow maker heart attacks have a high mortality rate, requiring immediate medical intervention such as angioplasty or bypass surgery for improved survival.

Widow maker heart attacks, or left main artery occlusions, are one of the most severe types of heart attacks due to complete blockage of the left main coronary artery.

Ischemic heart disease (also called coronary heart disease or CHD) is a term used to describe heart problems caused by narrowed coronary (heart) arteries. These arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. People living with CHD may experience angina, shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart attack.

While there are many risk factors for ischemic heart disease, age increases the risk of narrowed and damaged arteries. In addition, men are generally at greater risk of coronary heart disease. Other risk factors include:

  • Family history of heart disease.
  • High blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol (also hyperlipidemia).
  • Being overweight or obese.
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • Smoking and alcohol use.
  • Lack of exercise.
  • Unhealthy diet.

Cardiologists often treat coronary heart disease with cholesterol drugs such as statins and fibrates, low-dose aspirin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), nitroglycerin, and ranolazine. Lifestyle changes are also part of treatment plans for CHD.

If medications and lifestyle changes don’t work, procedures such as coronary angioplasty and stent placement, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), may be recommended to fix a blocked artery.

Angina refers to chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Also called angina pectoris, angina is one of the symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Risk factors include being overweight, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and smoking.

Treatments for angina include medications such as nitrates and lifestyle changes. In severe cases, procedures such as angioplasty or stenting may be required.

Hyperlipidemia is the medical term for high cholesterol. Also known as dyslipidemia, this condition is characterized by an overabundance of lipids (fats) in the blood. Risk factors include having a family history of high cholesterol, obesity, an unhealthy diet, smoking, and drinking. Hyperlipidemia can also affect individuals living with diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Hyperlipidemia is often treated with medicines such as beta-blockers, diuretics, steroids, hormonal birth control, and HIV antiretrovirals.

The paramedics cut off my bracelets and read the back of each. These two bracelets note my heart conditions and allergies. They saved my life!

Joe, MedicAlert Member since 2015

Why do I need MedicAlert?

A medical emergency can happen to anyone at any time. It is crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being by considering a MedicAlert ID and protection plan. This is especially true if you are living with one or more heart conditions and have life-threatening allergies to medications.

A MedicAlert ID and protection plan can speak for you immediately if you are unable to communicate emergency medical details to first responders and ER teams in an emergency. MedicAlert can even provide your most accurate and up-to-date personal medical history during regular doctor visits.

An Advantage Plus protection plan provides:

  • 24/7 emergency response team to relay vital medical information to first responders, ensuring accurate care.
  • Digital health profile of all conditions and medications – all in one place.
  • Information important to your care such as allergies and drug interactions.
  • Information about any implanted medical devices such as stents, pacemakers, and cardiac loop recorders.
  • Designated physician and emergency contact notification.
  • Personal document storage for information, such as treatment plans and medical devices.
  • Printable detailed profile for your medical appointments.

Signing up for MedicAlert is easy!

To get started, select a membership plan that fits your lifestyle at MedicAlert. Plans include Basic, Advantage, and Advantage Plus. All options provide the protection you need, with additional services such as Action Plans and Advanced Directive/DNR Storage at the Advantage and Advantage Plus levels.

Once you select your plan, you’ll navigate to the Medical IDs page to choose your ID. After selecting your ID, you’ll choose your free custom engraving and proceed to the checkout process. That’s it! Now you can enjoy having peace of mind knowing if you are in an accident or have another medical emergency, MedicAlert will be by your side, protecting you, always.

Shop MedicAlert IDs and protection plans today!

Read more about MedicAlert members

Alzheimer’s & Caregiving

Alzheimer's
Read More »

The post Surviving a Widow Maker Heart Attack appeared first on MedicAlert Foundation.

]]> /member-stories/widow-maker-heart-attack/feed/ 0 26702