February is known nationwide as Heart Month. At McLeod Health, this year’s promotions are focused on educating women on heart disease, the risk factors, and recognizing the signs of a heart attack. These efforts are being communicated through the use of print ads, television advertising, physician articles, patient testimonials and educational community events.

The heart and stroke patient testimonials feature five McLeod Health female patients. These are stories of real patients who have experienced victorious outcomes including Manning resident Shirley Simon – Heart Disease Survivor.

“I experienced significant warning signs, which I ignored and dismissed as anxiety,” said Shirley. To watch Shirley’s story, click here.

While you may not believe what you feel is the “norm” for having a heart attack, the best advice is to listen to your instincts. And, recognize the most common signs of a heart attack, like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain or discomfort in the chest, neck, jaw, shoulders, arms or back, shortness of breath, or nausea. Women of any age or lifestyle are susceptible, and symptoms can be very different from those experienced by men.

Call 911 immediately if you experience any of these signs.

The physicians of McLeod Cardiology Associates can help you evaluate your risk factors for heart disease. For patients living in Sumter and Clarendon counties, Cardiologists Dr. Ryan Garbalosa and Dr. Dennis Lang and Electrophysiologist Dr. Prabal Guha care for patients on the campus of McLeod Health Clarendon as well as at their Sumter office located at 540 Physicians Lane. Appointments can be made in advance by calling (803) 883-5171.