After a two-year interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Norma Melchor Heart & Vascular Institute's 12th Annual Heart Forum was held on April 1, with the theme "Finding Your Way to Heart Health."
The event brings together patients, family members and others who are interested in heart health and provides an introduction to the Heart & Vascular Institute, its services and its role in advancing heart care worldwide.
In-person attendance was limited to 100, including participants, so many people were also able to attend virtually. Attendees heard from four panels covering care paths for common heart conditions, and each panel session was followed by a question-and-answer period. The panels covered:
- Heart attack
- Atrial fibrillation and electrical heart problems
- Valve conditions that may require replacement or repair
- Rehabilitation and medical cardiology for congestive heart failure and other conditions
In-person attendees had a chance to walk through a health fair area with information and resources for heart patients and families.
"We're trying to address the fear of the unknown," says Joshua Schreckengost, executive director of the Heart & Vascular Institute and clinics. “We’ve had a lot to be afraid of lately, and a lot of people put off needed care because of the pandemic. So, we want to reach as many people as possible and encourage everyone to make their heart health a priority."
This event is one way you can tap the expertise at El Camino Health to help prevent or manage heart disease for yourself and your family. According to the American Heart Association’s 2023 update, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 928,741 deaths in the year 2020.
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