Photo courtesy of St. Vincent’s Health System.
St. Vincent's Heart Day 2014
More than 300 U.S. 280-area residents received tests at St. Vincent’s Health System One Nineteen during Heart Day 2013.
Heart Day
Feb. 15 • 6-11 a.m.
For $40 receive an EKG, a lipid profile, a blood pressure screening, a basic metabolic profile and a T-shirt
Register by Feb. 7, call Dial-A-Nurse at 939-7878 or 800-331-6777
(Tests offered at all locations in St. Vincent’s Health System)
Each year, more than 600,000 U.S. residents die from heart disease. As America’s leading cause of death, it’s responsible for one in every four lives lost according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
February is American Heart Health Month, and because the South is especially vulnerable to heart disease, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is giving 280 residents a cost-effective means to detect signs and symptoms before they manifest into serious problems.
St. Vincent’s Health System is holding Heart Day 2014 on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 6-11 a.m. Shanon Hamilton, director of clinical services at One Nineteen, said the event provides residents with access to screenings for early detection. But more importantly, it’s about informing members of the community on what to watch for.
“Really, the main reason we as a health system feel so passionate about Heart Day is because it gives us an opportunity to bring awareness to heart disease,” Hamilton said. “A large part of what we do is advancing the ongoing efforts to fight heart disease in the community.”
During this year’s Heart Day, St. Vincent’s Health System is offering residents $350 in medical tests for $40. Those who register and participate can receive an EKG, a lipid profile, a blood pressure screening, a basic metabolic profile and a T-shirt at the event.
An EKG, or electrocardiogram, is a test on the front lines for diagnosing heart disease, Hamilton said. It provides a picture of the heart from a noninvasive standpoint. The lipid and metabolic profiles check certain indicators of heart health including cholesterol levels and blood sugar, as symptoms can be masked in those afflicted by diabetes.
Last year, St. Vincent’s Health System provided heart screenings to more than 1,600 community members — 330 at One Nineteen alone. Hamilton said two patients form One Nineteen were advised to visit the emergency room once their results were analyzed and 25 more were encouraged to see a physician.
“Screening for heart disease really does save lives,” Hamilton said.
To register for Heart Day, call Dial-A-Nurse at 939-7878 or 800-331-6777 by Feb. 7. Screenings will be offered at all St Vincent’s locations including St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Data derived from screenings is to be considered preliminary only and does not constitute a final diagnosis.
Americans at Risk
From cdc.gov
High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of Americans have at least one of these risk factors:
• Diabetes
• Overweight and obesity
• Poor diet
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol use
Protect Your Heart
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Monitor your blood pressure
• Don't smoke
• Have your cholesterol checked
• Manage your diabetes
• Take your medicine
