Therapy One

Heart Attack: Know the Facts

A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked—most often by a blood clot that forms on top of fatty plaque in a coronary artery. Without oxygen-rich blood, that part of the heart muscle starts to get injured and can die.

Common warning signs

Chest pressure, tightness, or pain (often described as squeezing)

Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, or back

Shortness of breath

Nausea, sweating, lightheadedness
(Symptoms can be milder or different in women, older adults, and people with diabetes.)

Why it’s an emergency

The longer the blockage lasts, the more heart muscle is permanently damaged. Fast treatment saves heart muscle and lives.

PREVENTION IS POWERFUL

Prevention starts early, start today!

What Causes Heart Disease?

Most heart disease is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis.

Over time, arteries narrow, blood flow slows, and the risk of heart attack or stroke increases.

Small changes today can protect your heart tomorrow.

Plaque Builds. Risk Rises.
Prevention starts early

Your heart matters—every day.

🫀 What Is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a term used for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels—and it’s more common than many people realize.

CVD includes:
✔️ Heart disease (plaque buildup in arteries)
✔️ Heart attack (blocked blood flow to the heart)
✔️ Stroke (blocked or ruptured blood vessels in the brain)
✔️ Heart failure (the heart doesn’t pump as well as it should)
✔️ Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
✔️ Heart valve problems (leaky or narrowed valves)

The good news?
💙 Many heart conditions are preventable and manageable with the right care, movement, medications, and lifestyle changes.

Your heart works for you every day—take care of it.

📅 Talk to your healthcare team
🚶‍♂️ Stay active
🥗 Eat heart-healthy
❤️ Know your numbers

February is American Heart Month
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Stay safe, stay warm, stay hydrated.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/maps/severeweather/in-Punta-Gorda,FL?loc=eyJsIjoiUHVudGEgR29yZGEiLCJyIjoiRkwiLCJjIjoiVW5pdGVkIFN0YXRlcyIsImkiOiJVUyIsIngiOiItODIuMDQxIiwieSI6IjI2LjkzMTYifQ%3D%3D&weadegreetype=F&ocid=ansmsnweather

🦴 Walking vs Strength Training for Bone Health

🚶‍♀️ WALKING

✔ Slows bone loss
✔ Improves balance → fewer falls
✔ Safe, accessible, low impact

⚠️ Limited bone stimulus
• Mostly loads hips & legs
• Minimal effect on spine & upper body

Walking tells bones: “Stay about the same.”

🏋️ STRENGTH TRAINING

Best for: Building & Preserving Bone

✔ Stimulates bone‑forming cells
✔ Improves spine, hip & wrist strength
✔ Reduces fracture risk

• Squats / sit‑to‑stands
• Hinges / deadlifts
• Push & pull movements

Strength training tells bones: “Get stronger.”

🧾 BOTTOM LINE

**Walking maintains bone. Strength training builds bone. Together they best protect against fractures.**

Post graduate training in Trigger Point Dry Needling for pain with instructor Rob Stanborough from myopain seminars.
Training based on Dr. Janet Travell, MD who was the personal physician of president Kennedy

Great results. Gabe’s diagnostic skills are amazing with quick responses to recommended PT therapies. Cervical radiculopathy is under control. “Hip” pain is probably from back! It’s always so enlightening (and entertaining)!
Remember don’t treat the imaging, treat your patient.
Can’t say enough good things.
Dr. Margo H. Roca
Board certified radiologist