Centegra recently reminded people of a major danger that comes along with shoveling heavy snow – heart attacks. Whether it’s snowing and icy or warm and sunny, people need to call 911 if a person has heart attack symptoms. That call may save a person’s life.”There is a significantly greater chance of preserving heart muscle if a person is treated within an hour of the start of a heart attack,”  said Dr. Paresh Rawal, an independent cardiologist on the medical staff at Centegra Health System. “Heart disease continues to be the No. 1 killer of Americans and people need to understand that you cannot overreact if a person is having heart attack symptoms. People often die from their first heart attack because they did not seek treatment early enough.” Rawal is the medical director of the Chest Pain Centers at Centegra Health System. In addition to providing outstanding clinical care to patients suffering from heart attacks, the Chest Pain Centers at Centegra Hospital – McHenry and Centegra Hospital – Woodstock also educate the public about the seriousness of heart disease. Both Chest Pain Centers were recently accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, an international organization dedicated to eliminating heart disease as the No. 1 cause of death worldwide.This advanced accreditation makes Centegra’s hospitals two of only 11 in Illinois to earn this level of distinction.Rawal said people who have heart attack symptoms should not wait more than five minutes before calling 911, however many people do not seek help for hours.”There’s never a reason to feel embarrassed about calling for emergency help,”  Rawal said. “When you call 911, lifesaving treatment arrives within minutes. Emergency medical services providers begin providing care when they arrive and they can also revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients who arrive at the emergency room in an ambulance typically also receive faster treatment. It’s always best to call for help as soon as heart attack symptoms begin.” Centegra plans special events and screenings for National Heart MonthIn addition to educating the public about heart disease, Centegra Health System will celebrate National Heart Month with special events and screenings.Centegra’s annual Health Strong Woman Event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24. Attendees will hear a physician panel discuss menopause, breast and heart health, and author Joan Steffend will speak about her new book, “and she sparkled.” There will be free bone health, blood pressure and diabetes screenings as well as HeartAware and DiabetesAware online assessments. Attendees will enjoy a healthy and delicious lunch, raffles and giveaways, a $10 gift card from Algonquin Commons and a surprise gift from partners Centegra and Dalzell & Co. Fine Jewelry, who want to commemorate an active effort to care for health. To register for the Health Strong Woman event, go to Centegra.org or call 877-CENTEGRA. The event is $10.Centegra also will offer vascular screenings for $129 to celebrate National Heart Month. Vascular screenings will be at 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center – Huntley, 10450 Algonquin Road, Huntley.