Apple Valley Medical Center to hold free Heart Failure Community Education Evening

A free Heart Failure Community Education Evening will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at the Apple Valley Medical Center.

“Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in men and women”

“Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in men and women,” said Aaron Trygstad, MD, family practice physician with the Apple Valley Medical Clinic and one of two speakers that evening. Common risk factors for heart disease include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lung disease, obesity and diabetes. “There are multiple lifestyle changes that one can make to decrease those risks,” added Trygstad, who will speak on “Preventing Heart Problems Before They Start” beginning at 6:30 p.m.

At 7:00 p.m., Alan Bank, MD, cardiologist with the St. Paul Heart Clinic, will present “Heart Failure: What Can the Cardiologist Do For You?” Heart failure, one form of heart disease, is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. According to the American Heart Association, more than 5.7 million Americans are living with heart failure, and 670,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. New treatments for heart failure include surgical treatments and device therapy, such as biventricular pacing and defibrillation.

“We are committed to providing the community with practical health care information,” said Adam Berry, FACHE, Administrator and Chief Operating Officer of Apple Valley Medical Center. “We have been an integral part of the south metro health care community since 1974 and take our role as educators very seriously.” Attendees of the February 9 event will be offered free blood pressure screenings, along with a free light supper and health care displays on heart-related topics.