On Valentine's Day, heart shaped decorations are seen everywhere. At this time of year, we can be thinking about how our hearts are filled with so much love, but what about cholesterol? What about the risk of heart disease or strokes. They're unpleasant thoughts, but the reality is that heart diseases are the number one cause of death in the United States. How is your heart doing? The three main cardiovascular diseases according to the American Heart Association are heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrests. Let's take a quick look at some of the warning signs of these conditions, as time is of the essence in seeking treatment if you are experiencing any of these attacks:



There are many symptoms that could indicate the onset of a heart attack. The symptoms may be acute from the onset, or may start slowly and increase in intensity. Discomfort in the chest that can come and go is the most common indication of a heart attack. This can then extend to pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as the arms, neck, jaw or back. There can also be other signs that include a shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats and lightheadedness. The sooner that treatment is sought, the more likely that doctors will be able to decrease damage to your heart.



The symptoms for strokes can also be varied. They can range from a rapid numbness or weakness on one side or in one part of the body, to rapid disorientation and confusion. They can also include a quick development of trouble seeing, walking, or moving around, or a sudden intense headache. The common trend of all these symptoms is that they are sudden. Quick treatments can help reduce risk of severe disability.

There are usually no warning signs for this condition as it is quite sudden. Someone who suffers from a cardiac arrest would be unresponsive and not breathing. Emergency treatment must be sought right away.