Northwest Community Hospital to hold heart screenings

February is nationally recognized as American Heart Month, and Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) is raising awareness by reminding people to evaluate their risk of heart disease through screening. The hospital will hold two upcoming "Heart Risk Screening and Physician Talk" events to encourage better heart health.

"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States, and it affects people of all ages," said Dr. Albert Lin, NCH cardiologist and electrophysiologist. "Heart awareness month serves as an important reminder for people to evaluate their risk of heart disease by getting screened."

Warning signs that may indicate a person should get a heart screening include a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stressful lifestyle, obesity, tobacco use, inactive lifestyle and diabetes. According to Dr. Lin, the three most important numbers for a person to know about their heart are their cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, which all can be tested for at the NCH screenings.

The first "Heart Risk Screening and Physician Talk" will take place on Saturday, Feb. 20, with screenings available from 7-9 a.m. at the Barrington Park District Fitness and Recreation Center at Lagendorf Park, 235 Lions Drive in Barrington. Dr. Lin will be there discussing "Atrial Fibrillation and New Therapies" at 8 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m.

A second screening event will be held Saturday, March 20, from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. at Northwest Community Hospital, 800 W. Central Road in Arlington Heights. Dr. Anand Soni, a cardiologist at NCH, will discuss "CT Angiogram and Diagnostic Testing" at 8 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m.

A 12-hour fast is required for screenings, and participants should register in advance by calling (847) 618-4968 or register online at nch.org/heart. The tests include blood pressure, body mass index, ECG rhythm strips, fasting blood sugar, heart rate, pulse oximetry, and total cholesterol profile. There is a $10 fee to participate in these screening events. Only cash and checks are accepted.

To learn more about heart health, visit Northwest Community Hospital online at nch.org/heart.