Right now, 1 in every 4 deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease, far surpassing all other causes. That statistic could be reduced, because heart disease is often preventable — and even when it isn’t, early detection and careful management can lessen its effects. More than 40% of Americans have a risk factor for heart disease. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are all significant risk factors.

To help people in our community detect heart problems before they become more serious, Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute offers a free heart-disease risk assessment that includes a fasting lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, risk ratio and glucose), ankle/brachial index, resting 12-lead EKG, body fat/body mass index, blood pressure and pulse oximetry testing and more.

Participants must not currently be under the care of a cardiologist or have a known history of heart disease. Because of the blood testing, an eight-hour fast is required beforehand. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 410-543-7026 to schedule a free Heart Smart appointment.

There are also free vascular screenings available for both men and women. Among Americans older than 65, 12% to 20% have peripheral arterial disease, but only one-third show symptoms. Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else. People over 55 who are at higher risk for vascular disease should be screened to detect these vascular problems before they develop into something much more serious.

Those with risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, heart disease or family history of vascular disease, and people who have a symptom, such as leg pain or numbness in the leg or foot, may be eligible for a free screening at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. If you are 55 or older, please call the Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute at 410-543-7123 to find out if you qualify for the free vascular screenings and to reserve a date and time.