February is Heart Awareness Month

February is Heart Disease Awareness month. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women.  And according to WHO (World Health Organization), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

Years ago it was almost unheard of  for celebrities to go public with their  health issues, fearing that it would be the end of their careers.  Inspiring of late there have been several celebrities who are standing tall and are refusing to remain silent, opting instead to share their stories and even becoming advocates in the process.

Celebrities with Heart Disease

The former president of The United States Bill Clinton in February of 2011 had two stents placed in a coronary artery.

Barbara Walters, talk show host of the View, had an aortic valve replacement to correct a faulty heart valve in 2010.

Singer and reality star Toni Braxton was diagnosed with Pericarditis, an inflammation of tissue surrounding the heart often caused by a virus.

Former talk host of Regis and Kelly, Regis Philbin, in March of 2007,  had a triple bypass surgery, before retiring from the show.

Form co host of  The View Star Jones, in 2010 she was diagnosed with heart disease and had to have a surgery to repair a malfunctioning aortic valve and to drain fluid that had been building up around her heart.

The long time host of the game show, Jeopardy Alex Trebek at the age of 67, had a minor heart attack in 2007.

HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS

DISCOMFORT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE UPPER BODY

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

CHEST DISCOMFORT

Take the heart assessment test by clicking on link

www.heart.org Slow Heart Attack Assessment