Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in America. As we kick off Heart Month, now is the perfect time to set or revisit your heart healthy goals for the year. Piedmont Medical Center is encouraging residents to make heart health a priority by being your own “heart hero”.

According to the Center for Disease and Prevention, one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease, but there are ways we can reduce or eliminate our risk of developing it, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting. If you have one of more of these symptoms and think you may be experiencing a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Our experienced team at Piedmont Medical Center is dedicated to providing patients with the most comprehensive cardiac care close to home. Our heart and vascular services include diagnostics, evidence-based treatments, interventional and minimally invasive techniques.

“Heart disease doesn’t discriminate, that is why February is an important reminder to make healthier choices and inspire others to live heart-healthy lives”, said Market Director of Cardiovascular Services at Piedmont Medical Center, Tara Box. “I am honored to work alongside dedicated physicians, physician assistants, nurses, techs, respiratory therapists and support staff who are prepared to take care of patients as they walk through our doors with a cardiac emergency.”

“Throughout the Piedmont Market we are committed to providing high quality heart care”, said Market CEO of Piedmont Medical Center, Teresa Urquhart. “Our Structural Heart program continues to grow with, minimally invasive treatment options. The Watchman implant, available at Piedmont Medical Center Rock Hill is a one-time implant designed to reduce the risk of stroke in people living with Atrial Fibrillation. Our TAVR procedure is another minimally invasive option intended to fix a heart valve without open heart surgery. Our most recent addition is the MitraClip. The MitraClip is a medical device designed to treat moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation, a condition where the mitral valve in the heart does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the left atrium of the heart. Additionally, at Piedmont Medical Center Fort Mill, we are honored to now be performing inpatient and outpatient Interventional Cardiology and Vascular procedures in our advanced Catheterization and Hybrid Operating Suites, another way we striving to provide care close to home to our community.”

Get ready to be your own heart hero. Sign up for tips from our heart care team. You’ll receive a free 28-day activity calendar and be entered to win earbuds. Sign up at http://spr.ly/6189aQztT

Each year in February, we recognize American Heart Month by focusing on ways to improve heart health. We hope you’ll join us by learning more about heart health by visiting https://www.piedmontmedicalcenter.com/services/cardiovascular.