LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – On average, someone dies of cardiovascular disease every 38 seconds in the US. The American Heart Association is hoping to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms to save more lives.

Brian Blanchard was 38 years old when he felt hot and short of breath while in a meeting.  Blanchard said his symptoms weren’t noticeable at first, so he called a friend. 

“He said Brian, I think your having a heart attack. You probably want to get to the hospital. I’m like, great,” Blanchard said.

Turns out Blanchard had a blockage in the main aorta and a family history of heart disease. 

Interventional cardiologist Dr. Raghotham Patlola says even with a family history of cardiovasular disease, folks can decrease their chances by living a healthier life.

“High blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, poor way of living life: all of these are potentially reversible,” Dr. Patlola said.

According to Dr. Patlola, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women. But he says numbers are down nationally. He credits that to increased awareness and better treatments. 

“The most recent revolutionary, a new heart value technology where the valve is implanted from the groin. There is no need for people to have to the splitting of the chest, which is traditionally done,” Dr. Patlola said.

For survivors Jessie Nelson and Susan Fontenot, they’re thankful they acted quickly and paid attention to their bodies.

“In my case it was my jar and a pain in my back, which I didn’t think anything of it. I ended up with congestive heart failure in the hospital,” Nelson said.

“I was told if I hadn’t gotten there at the time I did I would’ve had permanent damage to my heart. If I hadn’t gotten there within the hour I would’ve been dead,” Fontenot said.

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease to watch out for include chest pain, nausea, jaw, neck or back pain and shortness of breath. Doctors say to pay extra attention if you have a family history. If you’re unsure whether or not to see a doctor, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Listen to your body. It’ll tell you what’s wrong. It will tell you want to come in and get checked out,” Nelson said.

The American Heart Association along with Dr. Patlola is putting on the Heart Walk Saturday May 4, to promote heart health awareness.

For registration information, click here.