What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes:

• Diseases of the heart
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure
• Congenital heart defects
• Hardening of the arteries
• Circulatory system diseases

What can you do to reduce your risk of heart attack?

• Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Control your blood pressure - Have it checked regularly. If it is between 120/80 to 139/89 mm Hg, you may be at risk for developing high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher, see your doctor.
• Control your cholesterol level.
• If you don't know your cholesterol level, ask your doctor if it should be checked - Cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher raises your risk.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Follow doctor's recommendations for other health problems such as diabetes.

Exercise and eating healthy can save your life.

• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, at least 5 servings per day.
• Eat a variety of grains, including whole grains, at least 6 servings per day.
• Eat fish at least twice a week.
• Include fat-free and low-fat milk products, legumes (beans), skinless poultry and lean meats.
• Walk or do other activities for at least 30 minutes on most or all days.
• Get off the bus a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way to work or home.

Signs of a heart attack

• Pain, pressure, discomfort, fullness or squeezing in the chest
• Pain or discomfort spreading to the shoulders, arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Feeling "sick to your stomach"
• Feeling faint

• Stomach, back or abdominal pain/discomfort
• Nausea or dizziness without chest pain
• Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue
• Palpitations, cold sweats or paleness

For Emergencies call 9-1-1

For more information call 3-1-1

Harlem Hospital Center
506 Lenox Avenue
New York, NY 10037
212-939-1000

Lenox Avenue Clinic
115 West 116th Street
New York, NY 10026
212-961-5742

Washington Heights
Child Health Care Center
600 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
212-795-0880

Dyckman Family Health Center
175 Nagle
New York, NY 10034
212-544-2001

Bellevue Hospital Center
462 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-562-4141

Lincoln Medical & Mental
Health Center
234 East 149th
Bronx, NY 10451
718-579-5000

Metropolitan Hospital Center
1901 First Avenue
New York, NY 10029
212-423-6262

Woodhull Medical & Mental
Health Center
760 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY 11206
718-963-8000