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Heart Clinic

Our Services \ Heart Clinic \ Risk Assessment

Physician Referral Service
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Call us at 877-WGH-DOCS

West Georgia Heart Clinic
Need more information?
Call us at 706-845-3274

Are You at Risk for a Heart Attack or Stroke?

You’ve probably heard a lot about cardiac disease, but you may not know how to assess your own risk factors. They include:

  • Being Overweight
  • Cigarette Smoking
  • Lack of Exercise
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Family History of Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • High Cholesterol
  • Excessive Stress
Risk Assessment
 

If any of these risk factors apply to you, you should make an appointment with a cardiac specialist at the West Georgia Heart Clinic. We offer many Diagnostic Tests that can determine your heart health and the risk of heart attack or stroke.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction (or M.I.) occurs when blood flow is cut off to part of the heart muscle, causing that part of muscle to stop working. Signs of a heart attack may include

  • Prolonged Chest Pain or Pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Jaw Pain
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Sweating
  • Nausea.

If you, or someone you are with, experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately! The sooner the patient arrives at the hospital, the better the chance for recovery.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain is blocked. This can happen due to a clot or when a blood vessel breaks, interrupting oxygen flow. In either case, the oxygen-deprived part of the brain begins to die. Signs of a stroke may include:

  • Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Trouble speaking or understanding
  • Loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Dizziness, difficulty walking, loss of balance
  • Sudden, severe headache

 If you, or someone you are with, experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately! The sooner the patient arrives at the hospital, the better the chances for recovery.

Tips for a Heart Healthy Life

Start taking steps to ensure your heart health today.

  • If you have any risk factors, schedule an annual exam
  • Up your exercise quotient
  • Eat lots of fruit and vegetables
  • Quit smoking
  • Lose excess weight

For more ideas about reducing your cardiac disease risk factors visit the American Heart Association website.