February 2006

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. To raise awareness about the disease, Congress and the President have proclaimed February "American Heart Month."

Heart disease is a disorder of the blood vessels of the heart. A heart attack can occur when an artery becomes blocked, preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart. Risk factors for heart disease include:

• high blood pressure and cholesterol;
• diabetes;
• smoking;
• being overweight;
• being physically inactive;
• having a family history of early heart disease; and
• age (55 or older for women, 45 or older for men).

While some of these factors are uncontrollable, you are able to manage several of them. By eliminating or improving some of these factors, you can significantly lower your risk for heart attacks. Try the following tips for good heart health:

• Don't smoke. Women who smoke are two to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smoking women. E.ON U.S.'s Wellness Program helps employees, retirees and their spouses become tobacco-free. Our "Well...Stop!" Program is designed to allow you to choose the cessation program or technique — patches, gum, group support programs, hypnosis — that will work best for you.
• Get moving. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. The company's Wellness Program helps employees and their eligible family members get active through the Fitness Incentive Program.
• Eat well. Choose a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
• Know your numbers. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose.

Heart attack warning signs include pain or discomfort in the chest or other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, and light-headedness. If you feel heart attack symptoms, don't delay. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 911. Every minute matters when dealing with a heart attack.

To learn more information about American Heart Month, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.