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Prevention Tips

As our understanding of heart disease grows, so does our comprehension of risk factors and prevention. There are major risk factors which research has shown are definitely associated with increases in heart disease such as increased age, heredity, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and physical inactivity. Men and postmenopausal women are at greater risk.

There are also contributing risk factors, which are less precisely understood such as stress, obesity and socioeconomic status. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance he or she will develop cardiovascular disease. Among the services TriStar Heart provides for helping people manage their risk factors and prevent heart disease and stroke are:

  • Risk Assessments – Free Heart Risk Assessments and Stroke Risk Assessments are available by calling TriStar MedLineSM at 615-342-1919 or 1-800-242-5662.
  • Screenings – Cardiac-risk, Stroke-risk as well as blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings are offered numerous times throughout the year. Peripheral vascular disease screenings are also offered.
  • Educational Classes – Classes to improve your health and manage risk factors for heart disease are offered throughout the year.

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    For more information on classes and screenings, call TriStar MedLineSM at 615-342-1919 or
    800-242-5662.

    Know the Symptoms

    More than a million Americans suffer a heart attack each year, and another 600,000 experience a stroke. The key to survival is recognizing the symptoms and getting fast treatment at a hospital. Early detection and immediate treatment may prevent further injury to the heart or the brain. Drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), or other thrombolytic agents, must be administered within a very short window of time after the onset of symptoms.

    Know the symptoms of heart attack and stroke, and seek care immediately if you, or someone you are with, experiences them. Heart attack warning signs can include:

  • Pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in chest
  • Pain or numbness in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
  • Shortness of breath
  • A cold sweat
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Lightheadedness

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    Warning signs of stroke, also known as brain attack, may include:

  • Sudden numbness
  • Weakness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Severe headache

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    If you are experiencing any of the signs of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 and get the nearest emergency room immediately.

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