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VCU Health offering free screenings for American Heart Month

Posted at 9:00 AM, Feb 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-07 13:19:45-05

RICHMOND, Va.  -- February is American Heart Month, and VCU Health is offering several free events and seminars throughout the month.
The American Heart Association uses February to focus on cardiovascular health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women, with about 610,000 Americans dying from it each year.

Antonio Abbate, a cardiologist at VCU, says this month is about reminding people about the importance of heart health.

“Many of us have some family members who have died of heart disease. So we have to be aware of this and need to make sure that we are doing our best to stay healthy so we can continue to stay healthy and live a long and healthy life,” said Dr. Abbate.

“VCU Health Goes Red” will take place Feb. 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The VCU Health Pauley Heart Team will offer free blood pressure and body mass index screenings in the second floor conference rooms at VCU Medical Center. Additionally, attendees can enjoy interactive activities, as well as a chance to win a Fitbit Blaze.

This event is free and open to the public.

Throughout the month, VCU Health will offer other events, including a Heart Health in Women Symposium on Feb. 4, and three free VCU Health seminar series talks at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

A Facebook Live discussion with Phoebe Ashley, M.D., a VCU Health cardiologist and women’s heart health expert, is scheduled for Feb. 6.

Dr. Abbate says he’s also excited for health experts to share information about new leadless pacemaker. The FDA approved the device in April and you can hear more about it from Dr. Ellenbogen at his seminar on February 21 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. You can register here.
“There’s a new device that goes into the heart without any wires, it’s really unique. We already implanted a few at VCU,” said Dr. Abbate.

VCU Health Pauley Heart Center services include inpatient and outpatient care ranging from noninvasive cardiology to heart transplantation. Its faculty is known for expertise in acute cardiac care, and the center is a national leader in device-based treatments for advanced heart failure.

“We are always excited to promote the benefits of proactive and appropriate heart health,” said Kathryn Perkinson, nursing director at VCU Health Pauley Heart Center. “We welcome the opportunity during American Heart Month to continue educating the public about heart disease so people can take the appropriate measures to not only fight the disease, but prevent it.”

For more event information call 804-628-0041.