#HeartStrong Resources
To ensure you are protecting your heart and everything in it.
This page is a collection of professional resources, screening information, and emergency tools to help our community stay informed.
Common Questions & Answers
Can heart issues happen to young people? Yes. While age is a factor, heart disease can affect individuals in their 30s and 40s due to genetics, lifestyle, or undiagnosed conditions. Early screening is the best way to understand your risk.
What should I ask my doctor? Request a "Cardiovascular Risk Assessment" and a full lipid panel. Mention our friend’s passing at 38 as the reason for your concern; this helps doctors understand the need for a thorough check rather than a standard physical.
What are the warning signs? Symptoms include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw, and sudden cold sweats or nausea. If you experience these, call 911 immediately.
Take Action Today
Schedule a Checkup Call your doctor today. Ask for a "Cardiovascular Risk Assessment." Don't wait for symptoms.
Learn Hands-Only CPR It takes 60 seconds to learn the basics. You could save a life this week.
Know Your Numbers Write down your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers so you can track them over time.
Talk to Your Family Heart disease often runs in families. Ask about your history so you can share it with your doctor.
Essential Heart Health Resources
American Heart Association (AHA): heart.org — The primary source for prevention and diet guides.
Heart Attack Warning Signs: Recognize symptoms and act fast.
AHA Heart Health Assessment: Get your personal heart score with My Life Check.
Heart-Health Risk Calculator: heart.org/riskcalc — Quick 10-year heart disease risk estimate.
Go Red for Women: goredforwomen.org — Specialized resources for women's heart health.
Local Cleveland Resources & Screenings
Know Your Numbers You can get free or low-cost blood pressure screenings at many local pharmacies and centers:
CVS & Walgreens: Most locations have self-service blood pressure stations.
Giant Eagle & Meijer Pharmacy: Low-cost screenings available at the pharmacy counter.
Schedule a Checkup
Cleveland Clinic Heart Institute: clevelandclinic.org/heart — Local, world-class care and information.
University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute: uhhospitals.org/heart-vascular — Nationally ranked cardiovascular care at UH Cleveland Medical Center.
MetroHealth Heart Care: metrohealth.org/heart-care — Comprehensive cardiology services including cardiac rehab and heart failure treatment at Cleveland's public hospital.
Emergency & Crisis Contacts
911 – Physical Emergency
988 – Mental Health Crisis (Stress impacts heart health)
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
NAMI Greater Cleveland: namigreatercleveland.org
Need to talk? You are not alone.
This loss has been incredibly heavy for all of us. It is completely normal to feel a sudden sense of urgency, anxiety, or grief right now. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried about your own health, or just need a safe place to vent, please don't hesitate to reach out.
I’m not a doctor, but I am a friend walking this path with you, and my inbox is always open. We are keeping each other #HeartStrong.
Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
For Dana….. We will always remember you and miss you and the others who fell too soon to heart disease.