Local hospitals boost cardiac awareness for Heart Health Month

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - February is recognized as American Heart Health month. Local hospitals raised awareness to help citizens on the right beat.

St Joseph’s Heart Hospital officials said that although technology has improved, the main focus is preventive measures to take to avoid coming into the emergency room. William Wallace, an interventional cardiologist at St. Joseph’s, urged anyone to not hesitate to get a heart check if chest pains, shortness of breath, or dizziness are apparent.

Wallace said that maintenance and annual cholesterol and blood pressure check-ups are the best way to avoid any unplanned ER visits.

Leyanet Medero, a registered cardiovascular technologist at St. Joseph’s heart hospital said that heart awareness month hits close to home for her. Medero’s mother and grandmother both suffered from heart attacks.

“As women, we try to go and go and go for everybody else, and we ignore our stuff, leave it at the end”, said Medero. “So it’s very important that if you notice anything like that, like any tightness in your chest, you feel like your heart is racing, you feel any indigestion, anything in your stomach, don’t ignore it.”

The American Heart Association said that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Medero reinforced the importance of regular checkups on your heart. She said because you never know what you may find and it could just save your life.