There are nearly one-half million deaths relating to heart attacks in the United States annually andt oo many of us are unable to recognize the symptoms associated with heart disease. However, we don't have to be left to wonder if this may happen to us. There are plenty of things we can do to make sure we keep our ticker in tip top shape.

According to a new Harris Interactive survey commissioned by PDL BioPharma, Inc.and the following was noted:

• Only two in five (40%) U.S. adults would seek medical attention if they experienced common heart attack symptoms (sickness to the stomach, lightheadedness, and pain or soreness in the arm, back or neck) for several minutes -- the majority (59%) would wait and see if the symptoms passed, and only 14% would call 9-1-1.
• Only about half of U.S. adults (56%) think calling 9-1-1 (or their 10-digit local emergency number) for an ambulance is the first step to take if they (or someone they are with) are experiencing heart attack symptoms.
• Only 35% of U.S. adults who have been diagnosed with a heart attack, or have a friend or family member who has been diagnosed with a heart attack, called 9-1-1 (or their 10-digit local emergency number) as the first step.
• Less than half of U.S. adults (48%) realize that a heart attack can be stopped once it has begun.

"Tragically, many patients, expecting to experience sudden, crushing chest pain, don't recognize the less dramatic symptoms of a heart attack, don't seek prompt treatment and, therefore, don't receive powerful life-saving therapies in time," said William E. Boden, M.D., national spokesperson for Act in Time, Director of Cardiovascular Clinical Trials at Hartford Hospital, and Professor of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine

According to Dr. Boden, the most common warning signs of a heart attack include discomfort or pain in the center of the chest, both arms, neck, back, stomach, or jaw. Other signs such as a cold sweat, light-headedness and nausea are also commonly reported.

Women on the other hand tend to experience less symptoms; possibly a dulling pain in their chest and numbness that spreads from the chest into the the stomach as well as the arms. Women differ from men in that they are less likely to suffer a heart attack but pose a greater risk in dying. If survived, quite often women tend to experience another heart attack shortly thereafter. This could be a result of their condition being at a more severe point by the time they experience a heart attack.

Many people make the mistake of not calling 911 when initial symptoms of a heart attack surface; they may tend to disregard the initial symptoms. The truth is the longer you delay calling 911 the less chance you have of surviving. It is essential that you call an ambulance immediately. Numbers show that the percent of individuals who suffer a heart attack will die before receiving necessary assistance. You're better off calling 911 regardless of how severe you think your situation my be - being safe is better than being dead.

Adhering to a clean diet can definitely reduce your chances of incurring a heart attack or developing heart problems. You should consume plenty of fruits and vegetables and stay away from foods such as white rice, bleached pasta, and white or processed bread. Saturated fats in products such as cakes, certain dairy products, and fatty meats can all add strain to your heart by clogging your arteries. It is recommended that a diet rich in oily fish can help increase the chance for survival of a heart attack and aid in the fight against heart disease. Omega-3 found in fish will help to reduce the levels of fat found in your blood stream and aid in the heart's proper operation. Avoiding heart disease can be prevented by making sure proper consumption of fruits and vegetables is a main priority.

Sodium is another very big contributor to our blood pressure and can increase our risk for developing heart disease. Try to limit your intake of salty foods. Chips, canned or packed soups, sauces, and baked beans all contain high levels of salt, so be aware and read nutritional labels on the back of food packages. Checking labels will help give you a better understanding of that particular products sodium concentration. The daily recommended intake of sodium is 2000mg, statistics shows many people consume up to double that.

Higher blood pressure equals shorter life expectancy. When the natural elasticity of our larger atreries weekens the end result is high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to problems such as nosebleeds, shortness of breath, and loss of sight. We must make an attempt to exercise regularly as it promotes better cardiovascular health. Consuming high levels of sodium, alcohol, and not eating a balanced diet consisting vegetables and fruits, coupled with being overweight can all play a role in high blood pressure.

If you are prone to high blood pressure you may also run the risk of incurring a stroke, which can lead to possible brain damage and kidney failure. People over 40 should make it a priority to see their doctor for an in-depth analysis in regards to the possibilty of a future heart atack. This procedure measures various types of glucose, and cholesterol levels within the blood while analyzing blodd pressure.

Cholesterol is produced by the liver and made from saturated fats from various foods that if consumed in high enough doses can lead to heart disease, stroke and circulatory disease. Try to stay away from egg yolks and liver as they are all very high in cholesterol. Cholesterol however, is essential in small doses as our body requires it to produce vital chemicals and assist in the proper function of our cells.

If you suffer from high cholesterol consider a prescribed medication or possibly increase your fiber intake.

One of the most common mistakes people make in the prevention of a heart attack is an insufficient attempt at regular exercise. When we raise our heart rate through activities such as climbing stairs, walking, swimming we strengthen our cardiovascular health. Continuous exercise 3-5 days a week for as little as 20 minutes to an hour can add years to your life.

Some evidence suggests that stress, depression, and anxiety can all lead to coronary heart disease and their symptoms are all similar. As well, psychological distress can also increase the chances for smoking, drinking, and becoming overweight.

Risk Factors Of Coronary Heart Disease

• Smoking
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Not Enough Exercise
• Genetics - previous family endured heart attacks.
• High Levels of Sodium
• Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Psychological Distress
• Poor Diet (not enough fruits and vegetables)
• Obesity
• High consuption of Alcohol

The thought of our loved ones or even ourselves having to endure this dreded fear can strike uneasyness in all our minds. Through proper diet and exercise the risks associated with heart disease will be significantly lower. If ever you suspect someone to be having a heart attack call 911 immediately and approach the victim with care. Always make sure the victim is lying face-up and check for signs of circulation. If you are farmiliar with CPR you may want to perform this procedure on the victim untill help arrives.