Heart Health: Be prepared in case a heart attack happens

February is Heart Month’a good reminder to exercise and eat a healthy diet. But when heart attacks do happen, every second counts. If you’re experiencing any warning signs, the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation recommends immediately calling 911. In the meantime, it could help to chew and swallow one adult 325 mg tablet or two 80 mg tablets of ASA (acetylsalicylic acid; Aspirin is one brand name). Research shows chewing ASA at the first sign of a heart attack minimizes damage to the heart and raises chances of survival. That’s why Canadian brothers Brett and Andrew Beaulieu created the Key to Life keychain with a pill holder that is specifically designed to carry ASA tablets. The brothers were inspired in part by their dad, who died of a heart attack. ($3; keytolifegroup.com)

Related:
‘ 6 things you may not know about heart health
‘ Can you spot the signs of a heart attack?
‘ 15 ways to beat heart disease