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Heart health experts host free program
SALEM - February is American Heart month and to help boost awareness of heart disease - the leading cause of death in the United States - the hospitals of HCA Southwest Virginia are hosting their first series of free educational programs featuring heart health experts.
The public is invited to attend the sessions at Alleghany Regional Hospital, Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Montgomery Regional Hospital and Pulaski Community Hospital. At these sessions they will learn the warning signs of a heart attack, practical advice for the prevention of, diagnosis and treatment of heart-related diseases and new technologies and screenings that can detect impending cardiac problems.
"The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk," said Oyidie Igbokidi, an invasive cardiologist physician at Lewis-Gale Medical Center. "This includes educating the public on the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and what they can do to help prevent them."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. This year alone, an estimated 770,000 Americans will have a new coronary attack, and about 430,000 will have a recurrent attack.
"People really need to be more aware of the symptoms of a heart attack so that they can seek appropriate medical care should the need arise," said Daniel Smith, emergency medicine physician at Alleghany Regional Hospital. "Heart attack chest pain is frequently mistaken for indigestion and a toothache can even be a warning sign. These are the kinds of symptoms that people need to know about."
For more information on the individual programs at each of the hospitals and to make reservations, contact Medline at (540) 776-4860 or toll free (888) 633-4860.
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