Jan 28, 2015 2 min read

WAYNESBURG – The cardiology department at Southwest Regional Medical Center will host two lectures during February, which is American Heart Month.

Did you know that coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States for both men and women? Recognizing the signs of a heart attack and seeking treatment as quickly as possible can help minimize long-term damage.

According to the American Heart Association, the most prevalent signs of a heart attack are chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath or lightheadedness. When experiencing any of these symptoms, every second counts and the first thing you should do is call 911.

At 5 p.m. Feb. 2, Dr. Michael Pecora will discuss women and heart disease. In addition to the most common symptoms, there are other important facts and symptoms women should know about heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about two-thirds of women who die suddenly of a heart attack have no previous signs. However, there are risk factors and symptoms women can look out for.

At 5 p.m. Feb. 18, Dr. James Richardson will host a talk on coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is a disease in which plaque builds inside the coronary arteries, which can cause a heart attack. Learn how to prevent coronary artery disease.

Both programs will be held in the second floor Guesman Room. Heart healthy refreshments will be served.

The cardiology department at Southwest Regional Medical Center offers a variety of noninvasive services to help quickly and effectively evaluate and stabilize heart conditions for those experiencing symptoms. The cardiology department offers stress testing, echocardiograms and advanced telemetry services.

To register for any of these programs, call 724-627-2412. A limited number of spaces are available.