Auburn Cardiology Associates

More than 45% of sudden heart attacks happen outside of the hospital. This has been linked to not detecting the early warning signs, including chest pain. Pay attention to your body and seek help if anything seems "off."

When a patient's heart condition is related to blow flow or blockages in the vessels that lead to the heart, nuclear cardiologists have the expertise to find the blockage and determine the amount of damage through a variety of diagnostic methods.

Did you know that it's been clinically proven that women have fewer typical heart attack symptoms than men? In fact, 25 percent of all heart attacks for women come without chest pain and a variety of other common symptoms.

Monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the best choices when it comes from fat. These can be found in olive oil, canola oil, nuts and seeds. These can help lower your cholesterol, but consume them moderately.

Have you tried flaxseed? These small seeds, rich in omega-3 and fiber, can go a long way in helping you reach your heart-healthy goals. Grind them and sneak them into coffee, yogurt, applesauce, or hot cereal.

Aerobic exercises are excellent for your heart. There are many possibilities, from walking and jogging to running and biking. Use a treadmill or stair-stepper if your knees are in poor shape, or consider swimming pool exercises.

So what are the signs of heart failure? This includes shortness of breath, inability to tolerate much exercise, and a lack of energy-all caused by the heart's inability to pump enough blood through the body.

There are several factors that put you at high risk for heart disease. This includes age, family history, personal history (a previous event or abnormal cholesterol or blood pressure), a history of smoking, and/or abnormal test results.

Are you in excellent health with the exception of high cholesterol? Remember, having high cholesterol could at some point be the trigger of a heart attack, so reducing it to acceptable levels is best.

There are heart conditions that are related to physical activity or stress. If that fits your situation, you could be asked to take a stress echocardiogram. This is a simple a procedure nearly identical to an ultrasound conducted directly after exercise.

Have you heard of an echocardiogram or a transesophageal echo procedure? These are high-tech testing methods, similar to an ultrasound, to determine blockages or structural damage to the heart. Cardiologists who specialize in performing and analyzing these important tests are called echocardiographists.

Did you know that some form of heart disease is the number one killer in the United States? Even if you don't have a family history of heart problems, understanding all your other risk factors is still important.

Did you know that women who both smoke and take birth control have a significantly greater risk of heart attack or stroke than those who do neither? The risk becomes greater for women over 35.