Yale New Haven Health Greenwich Hospital home
Home
About Us Need a Doctor? Calendar Employment Directions Quality Contact Us
Patients & Vistors Medical Services Hours     Phone Programs & Support Billing    Gift Shop Residency    Library    Volunteer    
Greenwich Hospital

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

We can control...
  • Smoking
  • Too little exercise
  • Too much fatty food
  • Untreated high blood pressure
  • Untreated high cholesterol
  • Ineffective stress management
We can't control...
  • Age (risk increases as we grow older)
  • Gender (men at greater risk than premenopausal women)
  • Race/ethnic background (African Americans and some Hispanic groups more likely to have high blood pressure)
  • Personal medical history (diabetes and other diseases may increase risk)
  • Family medical history

Warning Signs of Heart Attack

Indigestion
Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is a painful or burning feeling in the upper abdomen that may include nausea; abdominal bloating; belching; vomiting; severe pain in the upper right abdomen; discomfort unrelated to eating; and indigestion accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm

The symptoms of indigestion may resemble other medical conditions, such as chest pain. Always consult your physician for diagnosis.

The following are the most common symptoms of a heart attack. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
  • severe pressure, fullness, squeezing, pain and/or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes
  • pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, neck, arms, or jaw
  • chest pain that increases in intensity
  • chest pain that is not relieved by rest or by taking nitroglycerin
  • chest pain that occurs with any/all of the following (additional) symptoms:
    • sweating, cool, clammy skin, and/or paleness
    • shortness of breath
    • nausea or vomiting
    • dizziness or fainting
    • unexplained weakness or fatigue
    • rapid or irregular pulse
Although chest pain is the key warning sign of a heart attack, it may be confused with indigestion, pleurisy, pneumonia, or other disorders.
Yale New Haven Health System Privacy Policy Site Map Site Credits Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP)


Copyright ©2000-2008 Greenwich Hospital. All rights reserved. All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.