T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Dr. George Sokos, left, chief of cardiology for WVU Medical Wheeling Hospital, speaks to business owners and community leaders Wednesday about heart health and the warning signs of heart attacks. February is American Heart Month. Also pictured is Amanda Bennett, alumni director of West Liberty University.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Fittingly for the month of Valentine’s Day, February is also American Heart Month and local business and community leaders are taking the message to heart.

On Wednesday, the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce invited Dr. George Sokos, chief of cardiology at WVU Medical Wheeling Hospital, to speak during a luncheon in Undo’s West. Sokos, who has been with WVU Medicine for six years, spoke about the importance of heart health and warned people to be aware of risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

He said while it is often necessary to make major lifestyle changes after a heart attack or other serious symptoms, people are advised to take “baby steps” and begin making small changes toward keeping themselves well and maintaining heart health.

“It doesn’t take extremes. To be heart healthy, take most things in moderation,” he said. “It doesn’t mean you can’t ever have ice cream. It doesn’t mean you can’t ever have chocolate. It does mean you have to know your risks and adjust your lifestyle.”

He said diabetes is essentially identical to the risk of having a heart attack, and said the disease demands similar precautions, such as watching cholesterol and monitoring blood pressure.

“You’re not going to be able to maintain something if you go overboard,” he said.

Sokos said it is also important for people to take a lead in knowing their risks and making good life choices, such as finding time to exercise.

“No one’s going to be an advocate for your health more than you,” he said.

Sokos also mentioned some of the warning signs of heart disease. He said they can be more than chest pain, with some symptoms being as simple as fatigue. He also pointed out women often have different symptoms than men, who often display more classic symptoms.

He said a list of symptoms and warning signs can be found at the American Heart Association’s website, with information related to an individual’s risk group and what symptoms to look for.

A vigorous question and answer session followed, with many asking Sokos about details and current concerns.

He said medical professionals do not recommend taking an aspirin every day, since there can be dangers with prolonged use. But if one is having a heart attack, taking an aspirin could help.

Sokos said the most crucial element of surviving a heart attack with as little damage as possible is timing. Quick medical assistance can reopen arteries. This is also true of strokes.

Many also asked about the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on heart health. Sokos said COVID-19 has been associated with heart inflammation and some delayed heart attacks following a case of coronavirus. He said there have also been some reports of an inflammation reaction from vaccination, but the medical community recommends getting vaccinated.

Sokos said other viruses are associated with clotting, and this seems particularly true of COVID-19.

But regarding general heart health, there are options such as genetic testing to determine if one is more susceptible to diabetes or heart disease.

He said organ donation is recommended for cardiac patients, even if people have concerns about restrictions.

“You can sign up and let us decide afterwards,” he said. “It really depends.”

Sokos said rising cases of methamphetamine use can also strain a user’s heart. For younger people, he said vaping is a trend that can cause long-term damage to the heart.

He said business owners can have automated external defibrillators on site in case of a heart attack. Chamber members discussed the possibility of holding CPR classes.

E.J. Schodzinski, chief administrative and development officer at Belmont Savings Bank, said there are AED devices in all of the bank’s branches, and employees are trained in CPR.

“I think it’s very important,” he said.

“I always thought that cardio issues were for older adults, and I’m 30 years old and all of what he was saying hit home as things that I experience. So, after speaking with him briefly, I’m going to get screened and looked into, just for my own personal health,” Amanda Bennett, alumni director of West Liberty University, said.