Cardiovascular disease isn’t just about statistics. Sometimes it’s personal.

Two years ago, near Father’s Day, Million Hearts® team member Erica got the scariest call of her life: Her dad, Gary, had just had a heart attack and was having emergency surgery to try to save him. It was the day after her bridal shower. “He was planning to walk me down the aisle in 4 short months,” she said.

Gary has always been Erica’s hero. “He was invincible, strong, and tough,” she said. “But he did what many people do: He dismissed thesymptoms of a heart attack.” Gary waited 8 hours before going to the hospital—precious time that might have led to a better outcome. Instead, he lost 70% of his heart function and eventually left the hospital with three stents. He also needed follow-up surgeries.

Alarmed by the event, Gary’s family mobilized to enroll him in cardiac rehabilitation. For his part, Gary reciprocated with the only gift he could: He applied all his efforts to eating healthier, walking each morning, monitoring his blood pressure, taking his medicine as directed, and attending his medical appointments. Thanks to his hard work and family’s support, Gary was able to walk Erica down the aisle.

But we know that some people aren’t as lucky. Every 40 seconds, someone in our country has a heart attack. Every day, we have the opportunity to help people make healthy changes like Erica’s dad has made. In honor of Father’s Day and Men’s Health Month, think about how you can help the men in your life and your practice take control of their health so they don’t miss out on life’s big moments.

Yours in health,

Betsy L. Thompson, MD, MSPH, DrPH

RADM and Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service

Director, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Heart Attack Signs and Symptoms

There are five major signs and symptoms of a heart attack in women and men. Click on the image to view a larger version.

The five major symptoms of a heart attack are

Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
Shortness of breath.

Other symptoms of a heart attack could include unusual or unexplained tiredness and nausea or vomiting. Women are more likely to have these other symptoms. Learn more about women and heart disease.