Screenings and Events
Part of the mission of the UPMC Passavant Cardiovascular Center is to educate people about the risks of heart disease. If you're at risk, a screening check can be an important step and could uncover an undetected program early, when there's a good chance to treat the problem effectively.
1. Find out your risk
Uncontrollable risk factors include:
- Family History — Your risk is higher if a family member has had heart problems.
- Age — If you are a man, your risk for a heart attack increases after age 45. If you are a woman, your risk increases after age 55.
- Previous Heart Disease — Certain conditions increase your risk for having a heart attack. These include fatty deposits inside your arteries (atherosclerosis), a previous heart attack, chest pain related to a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle (angina), or a prior heart bypass surgery.
- Race — Your risk is higher if you are African American, Mexican American, or native Hawaiian.
Controllable risk factors include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Overweight
- Smoking
- Lack of physical activity
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
2. Get screened
If you're at risk, you can get screened by:
- calling our center at 1-800-533-UPMC to schedule a comprehensive evaluation (covered by insurance in most cases)
OR
- attending a free screening event staffed by our physicians:
Upcoming Events
For the public:
Maggie Dixon Heart Health Fair
Oct. 3, 2009, 1 to 4 p.m., Petersen Events Center, Oakland
This heart health fair is held in honor of the late Maggie Dixon, the head coach of the Army Black Knights women's basketball team, who died suddenly of a heart complication at the age of 28. The fair will feature free health screenings, free CPR and AED training, educational heart health displays and information, games, and giveaways. The University of PIttsburgh's Basketball Fan Fest also will be held during this time in the same location. Free parking is available in the OC Lot at noon. Doors open at 1 p.m. Click here for more information.
PMC Passavant Cardiovascular Center’s 2nd Annual Hearts and Hounds Walk
Oct. 4, 2009, 9 a.m. North Park, McCandless
This fun dog walk benefits the American Heart Association, and was developed in association with Goin’ Home Greyhounds and the Pennsylvania Humane Society. Registration fee: $15. Call 1-866-939-UPMC for details and registration information.
Women’s Heart Health Fair
Oct.10, 2009, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. La Roche College, McCandless
Cardiac professionals will be on hand to discuss various cardiac issues in women. Cardiovascular screenings will be offered. Free and open to the public. Call 1-866-939-UPMC for more information.
2009 Pittsburgh Start! Heart Walk
Oct. 17, 2009, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Heinz Field, Downtown Pittsburgh
This annual American Heart Association fund-raiser is a great way to get some heart-healthy exercise and support a good cause. Visit the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk website for more information.
For healthcare professionals:
UPMC Passavant Cardiac Symposium
Oct. 30, 2009, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., UPMC Passavant, McCandless Campus
This workshop is designed for nurses and other health care professionals who service cardiac patients within UPMC. Please visit uLearn to register or call 1-866-939-UPMC for more information.