Know the Signs

• Pain in the chest, arms, jaw, neck or shoulder
• Pain between shoulder blades
• Indigestion
• Palpitations
• Headache

• Shortness of breath
• Indigestion
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Palpitations
• Anxiety
• Numbness in the arms or hands
• Back pain
• Left sided chest pain
• Difficulty sleeping

• Unexplained shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Unexplained sweating

• Unusual shortness of breath
• Unexplained mental status changes
• Fainting
• Unusual confusion
• Chest pain

Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. If you are a current smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. If you need help quitting, please visit QuitNowNM.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

When you carry extra weight you increase the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. By living an active lifestyle, eating healthy and decreasing any extra weight you can lower your blood pressure and you help yourself feel better too.

Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life.

A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. When you eat a heart-healthy diet, you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy - for life!

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke due to the stress it creates inside your body. When your blood pressure stays within a healthy range, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer.

High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog your arteries, decreasing the blood flow and potentially leading to heart disease and stroke. When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.

Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.

New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group offer the HeartScan - a powerful screening that can detect heart disease at its earliest stages. It's convenient, painless and available for just $150.

HeartScan is idea for men 45 and older or women 50 and older, who have one or more of the following conditions:

• Current smoker of former tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol (>200)
• High triglycerides (LDL >100)
• Known vascular disease
• Overweight
• Post-menopausal
• Sedentary lifestyle

For more information visit NMHI.com or to schedule a screening, call 505.841.1000.