Free cardiovascular screenings for African-Americans on Aug. 4

Free screenings to detect cardiovascular risk factors in African-Americans will be 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, in the Baptist Heart Center auditorium.

Free screenings include blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, EKG rhythm strips and carotid assessments. Fasting is not required. The availability of screenings will be limited to the allotted time.

A Western Baptist physician will be available for questions.

Statistics show cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for African-Americans. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, African-American adults are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease, but they are more likely to die from it.

High blood pressure, present in more than 40 percent of African-Americans, is a major risk factor.

In addition, higher rates of obesity, diabetes and tobacco use in African-Americans result in high blood pressure and heart disease. African-Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as Caucasians, and about four out of five African-American women are overweight or obese.

For more information on the risk factors for heart attack and stroke, speak to a Western Baptist nurse on the free 24-hour hotline at (270) 575-2918.