From Vidant Health

 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and people in eastern North Carolina are at high risk.

To help educate women about heart disease, risk factors and what to do to improve heart health, Vidant Health, the East Carolina Heart Institute and its physician partners are holding free events across the region featuring national guest speaker Tracey Conway.

Dying onstage is the last thing you’d expect from an Emmy Award-winning actress and comedienne. But only minutes after filming her comedy television show, Tracey Conway literally dropped dead from sudden cardiac arrest. Her chances of survival were barely one in 20, but after six defibrillator shocks, paramedics brought her back to life. Her lively and poignant story will touch and inspire all who hear it.

The Heart Truth is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease and is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Through the campaign, NHLBI leads the nation in a landmark heart health awareness movement that is being embraced by millions who share the common goal of better heart health for all women.
The centerpiece of The Heart Truth is the red dress, which was introduced as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 by the NHLBI. The red dress reminds women of the need to protect their heart health, and inspires them to take action. To learn more, visit www.hearttruth.gov.

Several The Heart Truth events are scheduled for the area. The include the following:

• Feb. 25, Vidant Beaufort Hospital and Vidant Pungo Hospital, screenings and luncheon. Screenings at 10 a.m. Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Washington Civic Center, 110 Gladden St., Washington

Take the free Red Dress Express from Vidant Pungo Hospital to the Washington Civic Center. Depart at 10 am. Return at approximately 2:30 p.m. Registration is required.

• Feb. 25, East Carolina Heart Institute at Vidant Medical Center dinner, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Rock Springs Center, 4025 N.C. Highway 43 North, Greenville

For more information and to register, visit http://www.vidanthealth.com/heart2014