2/3/2020
WHAT: The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, in partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA), will host screenings and events this February in recognition of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day. The day is intended to raise awareness for the fight against cardiovascular disease in women and promote efforts to maintain good cardiovascular health through education and lifestyle changes. Registration is not required. Parking is free at all hospital locations.
WHY: According to the AHA, about 647,000 Americans die from cardiovascular disease annually. There are various types of heart disease, including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve problems. The main causes and risk factors for heart disease include plaque build-up, improper management of chronic conditions, poor lifestyle habits and heart valve-related birth defects. Nearly half of the American population is affected by at least one of these risk factors, and symptoms of cardiovascular disease may appear differently in men and women. Being able to recognize and address symptoms can improve chances of early intervention.
Friday, Feb. 7, 2020:
- UPMC St. Margaret – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Entrance B lobby, 815 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, 15215.
The event will feature screenings for blood pressure, bone density, cholesterol and glucose**, heart-health information, risk factor guidelines and heart-healthy recipes.
- UPMC McKeesport – 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Shaw Building, History Hallway, first floor, 1500 Fifth Ave., McKeesport, Pa., 15132.
The event will feature screenings for blood pressure and bone density and will include heart-health information and heart-healthy recipes. In addition, there will be a free gift basket raffle and photo booth.
- UPMC East – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
First floor lobby, 2775 Mosside Blvd., Monroeville, Pa., 15146.
The event will feature blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose** screenings, heart-health information and risk factor guidelines.
- U.S. Steel Tower – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Concourse level by the YMCA, 600 Grant St., Pittsburgh, 15219.
The event will feature screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol as well as an “Ask the Expert” session. Representatives from the American Heart Association also will be onsite.
- UPMC Passavant – 12 to 1 p.m.
Assembly Hall, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, 15237.
Cardiologist Venmathi Indramohan, M.D., will present a discussion on women and heart disease.
The event also will feature blood pressure screenings, nutritious snacks, heart-health information and heart-healthy recipes.
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020:
- UPMC Jameson – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Main lobby, 1211 Wilmington Ave., New Castle, Pa., 16105.
This event will feature blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, body fat analysis, a health coach, an “Ask the Expert” session, giveaways and refreshments.
Monday, Feb. 17, 2020:
- UPMC Horizon – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, 2200 Memorial Drive, Farrell, Pa., 16121.
This event will feature blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, body fat analysis, a health coach, an “Ask the Expert” session, giveaways and refreshments.
** For cholesterol and glucose screenings, a 9-hour fast is recommended.
Note to Media: To cover any of these events, prior arrangements must be made by contacting Taylor Andres at AndresTA@upmc.edu or 412-592-7406.