Hospital to offer health programs
WAYNESBURG – In honor of February being nationally recognized as American Heart Month, Southwest Regional Medical Center’s cardiology department has planned three free heart health talks. Each program will feature a specialist in the field of cardiology to discuss many aspects of heart health.
All programs will be held at Southwest Regional Medical Center’s second floor Guesman Room. The programs will be as follows:
• Feb. 11, 5 p.m . – Dr. Michael Pecora will present atrial fibrillation.
• Feb 19, 5 p.m. – Dr. Praful Vora will present heart disease risk factors.
•Feb. 20, noon – Dr. James Richardson will present congestive heart failure.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.
These conditions also are leading causes of disability preventing people from working and enjoying family activities.
Cardiovascular disease also is very expensive – together heart disease and stroke hospitalizations in 2010 cost the nation more than $444 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity.
The American Heart Association notes the most prevalent signs of a heart attack as chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath or lightheadedness. When experiencing any of these symptoms, every second counts and 911 should be called immediately.
Southwest Regional Medical Center offers a variety of non-invasive cardiac services to help quickly and effectively evaluate and stabilize heart conditions for those experiencing symptoms. These services include stress testing, echocardiograms and advanced telemetry/monitoring services.
Heart healthy refreshments will be served. Call 724-627-2412 to register.