Macon, Ga. (Feb 9, 2023) – Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, kills someone in this country every 34 seconds.

In 2020, roughly 697,000 people in the U.S. died from heart disease, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

February is American Heart Month, and on Friday, Feb. 24, Piedmont Macon Medical Center is hosting “Healthy Heart Screening,” a free event open to the public from 7 to 10 a.m. in Building C, Suite 120. Reservations are required.

The heart screenings will include:

• A fasting lipid blood test to check cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels;
• Weight and body mass index checks;
• Hip-to-waist ratio checks;
• Blood pressure screenings.

“These screenings can provide basic facts that your doctor can use to evaluate and monitor your cardiovascular health,” said Debbie Bryan, director of Cardiovascular Services at Piedmont Macon.

“The goal of a regular screening is to help detect any cardiac disease or condition at its earliest and most treatable stage,” she said. “Through regular health screenings, you can determine how issues like blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels are affecting your health.”

Clinicians will be on site and available to answer questions at the Feb. 24 event. Piedmont representatives also will be able to share information about stroke prevention, nutrition, medication and exercise.

Anyone interested in having bloodwork done at the event must fast (no food or drinks) beginning at midnight the night before. A medication list would be helpful for those who want to discuss their medications with the pharmacy team or a physician at the screenings.

To register for an available slot, call 478-765-4801.