Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Arkansas, claiming the lives of 8,531 Arkansans in 2024 — nearly one death every hour, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.
During American Heart Month, health officials are urging residents to recognize heart attack warning signs and call 9-1-1 immediately. Symptoms can include chest discomfort, pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, or unusual fatigue — especially in women.
Officials stress that calling 9-1-1 allows emergency medical services to begin life-saving treatment sooner, improving survival rates. Major risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Many risk factors can be managed through regular medical care, healthy eating, physical activity, and quitting smoking. The department continues working with hospitals statewide to improve rapid heart attack care and outcomes.
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