Heart Disease is the No. 1 Killer of Americans.

American Heart Month is a time to spotlight the importance of heart health. This month, join us as we focus on raising awareness about heart disease, understanding its risk factors, and learning the vital assistance available at Tallahassee Memorial Heart and Vascular Services.

Let’s make 2025 the most heart healthy year ever for the Big Bend! Take our Heart Month Pledge to raise awareness, focus on prevention, deepen your knowledge, and take action for better heart health. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community’s heart health. 

Knowledge

Know Your Risk Factors.

Certain health conditions, lifestyle factors, your age and family history can increase your risk for heart disease. Understanding your personal risk for heart disease is the first step to effectively managing your heart health.

Calculate your heart risk and share the results with your primary care provider. Don’t have one? No problem. Request an appointment with one of our TMH Physician Partners – Primary Care offices.

General Heart Attack Risk Factors:

• High blood pressure
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Overweight or obese
• Use of tobacco products
• Metabolic disease, diabetes or other illnesses
• Family history of cardiovascular disease
• Chest pain, pressure, burning, tightness or aching that comes and goes

Know the Signs of a Heart Attack

There are general signs and symptoms of a heart attack that can affect different parts of your body, not just your heart. Being proactive with your heart health includes knowing these signs and symptoms so you can act quickly.

General Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack:

• Anxiety
• Jaw pain
• Excessive fatigue
• Weakness, dizziness or exhaustion
• Chest pressure
• Squeezing, aching or burning on the left or right side of the chest
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling of fullness
• Shortness of breath
• Shoulder pain
• Pain or numbness that travels down one or both arms

Action

If you think someone is having a heart attack, you should: 

• Immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
• If the person is conscious, help the person rest by having them sit down and try to keep calm. Loosen any tight clothing.
• If the person has a known heart condition and takes chest pain medicine, like nitroglycerin, help them take it.
• If the person is unconscious and unresponsive, check if they are breathing and have a pulse.
• If the person is unconscious and unresponsive, and not breathing or does not have a pulse, begin CPR. If you're untrained in CPR, do hands-only CPR, which means pushing hard and fast on the person's chest.
• If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, follow the instructions on the AED device.

Early action saves lives! Most people who die from a heart attack do so within the first two hours so your action can make the difference.

Let’s Make This the Healthiest Year Yet!

Join TMH in raising awareness, embracing prevention, and acting for better heart health. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors across the Big Bend.