SANTA MONICA, CA, Feb. 1, 2012 — One in three women has some form of heart and blood vessel disease. This year, heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases will claim the lives of more women than the next five leading causes of death combined. It is also a fact that eight to 12 million people in the United States, especially those over 50, are affected by peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common but serious disease that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

To underscore the importance of this health challenge for women, Saint John’s Health Center is sponsoring The Heart Month Lectures, a free community forum “A Woman’s Health — Heart Disease” on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and repeated on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Santa Monica Public Library Auditorium. 

 

Among the lectures to be presented by Saint John’s physicians are: “Diet, Nutrition and Heart Health includingMetabolic Syndrome” by Sandra Fallon, MD, cardiologist; “Skipped Beats, Rapid Heart Rates and Rhythm Disorders including Atrial Fibrillation” by Sarina van der Zee, MD, cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist; and “Coronary and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) including stent procedures” by Prabhtej S. Brara, MD, FASCA&I, interventional cardiologist. 

 

The registered dietitians from Saint John’s Nutrition and Diabetes Education Department will provide a “Healthy Hearts” food and nutrition exhibit at the Auditorium 30 minutes before the beginning of each forum: Monday, Feb. 13, 6 to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 14, 1:30 to 2 p.m. 

 

Part of Saint John’s “Women’s Health Lecture Series,” this program is made possible through a generous grant by The Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation.

Seating is limited. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling (310) 829-8453.

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About Saint John’s
Since its founding in 1942 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Saint John’s Health Center has been providing the patients and families of Santa Monica, West Los Angeles and ocean communities with breakthrough medicine and inspired healing.  Saint John’s provides a spectrum of treatment and diagnostic services with distinguished areas of excellence in cancer care, spine, orthopedics, women’s health, cardiac care and specialized programs such as the internationally acclaimed John Wayne Cancer Institute.  Saint John’s is dedicated to bringing to the community the most innovative advances in medicine and technology.  For more information, visit www.newstjohns.org.