FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly 801,000 deaths in the U.S. -- an average of one death every 40 seconds, according to the American Heart Association. To combat these startling statistics, Broward Health is offering a variety of health screenings, expert lectures, presentations and other events related to heart health in recognition of American Heart Month.
"Broward Health is committed to improving the health and well-being of our community, especially when it comes to cardiovascular disease," said Broward Health President/CEO Beverly Capasso. “This month, our hospital system is dedicated to raising awareness about the fight against heart disease and educating the community on how to maintain a healthy heart through diet, exercise and health screenings.
Broward Health is a leading provider of cardiovascular care. Broward Health Medical Center has been named one of Healthgrades’ 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery and has also received the Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award. Broward Health Imperial Point’s new cardiac catheterization program performed 150 procedures in 2017 and is rapidly approaching the state’s requirement for a level one Adult Cardiac Program.
“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women and Broward Health is committed to educating the community about the risks and dangers of this devastating disease,” said Andrew Ta, MD, Broward Health Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer. “We are proud of the comprehensive cardiac services we provide and we are dedicated to improving the heart health of our patients through innovative procedures and patient education.”
Broward Health will be offering the following events to the public throughout the month of February:
- Tuesday, February 13th: Broward Health Imperial Point will be offering a “Heart Healthy” seminar at 3 p.m. in the hospital’s auditoriums. The event will feature a cardiologist who will give an educational lecture, as well as a nutritionist who will provide heart healthy snacks and free cardiac health screenings. For more information, click here.
- Tuesday, February 13th: Broward Health Community Health Services will be hosting a “Healthy Heart Awareness Day” at Cora E. Braynon Family Health Center, 200 NW 7th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 33311. The event will feature blood pressure screenings, body mass index screenings, glucose screenings, games and giveaways, as well as light refreshments. For more information, click here.
- Wednesday, February 14th: Phyllis Ahern, Broward Health Imperial Point’s nurse manager of cardiology, will be giving a “Love Your Healthy Heart” lecture as part of the hospital’s Imperial Lifestyle Monthly lecture series. The lecture will take place in the hospital’s private dining room at 10:30am. For more information, click here.
- Tuesday, February 20th: Broward Health Coral Springs will be offering a seminar on echocardiogram testing of the heart as part of the hospital’s “Enlightened Women” series. The event will feature cardiac sonographer Marta Kisielewicz who will discuss how echo testing helps diagnose heart health. The event will take place from 6 to 7pm at Broward Health Coral Springs Medical Office Complex, 3100 Coral Hills Drive in Coral Springs. For more information, click here.
- Wednesday, February 21st: Broward Health North will be hosting a “Heart Matters” event from 11am to 2pm in the hospital’s cafeteria. The event will feature glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. For more information, click here.
- Thursday, February 22nd: Broward Health Coral Springs will be offering blood pressure screenings, followed by a lecture on “Cardiovascular Disease: America’s Health Burden” with Avinash Persad, DO, as part of the hospital’s senior supper club series. Blood pressure screenings will take place from 12:15pm to 12:45pm followed by the lecture from 1 to 2pm in the hospital’s Community Education Center. For more information, click here.
- Wednesday, February 28: In recognition of American Heart Month, Sastrie Bharath, MSN, ARNP-BC, Structural Heart Coordinator at Broward Health Medical Center, will present on "Prevention and Management in Heart Disease.” The event, aimed at raising awareness about heart disease in the Greater Fort Lauderdale community, will take place from 5 to 6pm at New Hope Seventh Day Adventist, 545 E. Campus Circle in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, click here.