Township, Optimist Club Go Red for Heart Awareness

White Lake Township employees and members of the Huron Valley Optimist Club went red to aid in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

February is American Heart Month and everyone is encouraged to wear red to help raise awareness about heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke are the nation's number one and number three killers respectively.

The following are signs of a heart attack:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

The American Heart Association states that while women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort, there can be other, less known symptoms. These include shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

"Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms)," The American Heart Association states. "Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don't wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number."