February is also designated by the American Heart Association as American Heart Month.
They aim to increase knowledge on what residents can do to prevent heart attacks and how to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack. The symptoms, while similar, can differ between men and women. Symptoms include:
Chest pain or discomfort. While chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom, some women may experience it differently than men. It may feel like a squeezing or fullness, and the pain can be anywhere in the chest, not just on the left side.
Pain in your arm(s), back, neck, or jaw, stomach pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness, sweating and fatigue.
Most heart attacks begin with subtle symptoms, so know when to seek medical attention.
Local students also went "red" for American Heart Month. See those on page 11A.