Providence Heart Experts Honor American Heart Month in Longview by Offering Free Heart Expo

Feb. 6, 2008

FREE FORUM: 6 – 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13, Cowlitz County Expo Center, Longview

PORTLAND, Ore. – Every 35 seconds an American dies of cardiovascular disease. It doesn’t have to be that way. While some risk factors are inherited, many are not. Lifestyle changes can save lives.

Community members are invited to a free forum with seven experts from Providence Heart and Vascular Institute – including internationally acclaimed heart surgeon Dr. Albert Starr. The seven experts will talk about abnormal heart rhythms, cardiovascular disease, women and heart disease and frontiers of cardiovascular care. Dr. Starr will discuss the history and future of cardiac care.

Providence has a 40-year history of providing excellent cardiac care to more than 10,000 residents in Longview, Kelso and the surrounding area. Now, Providence is inviting everyone to a special event, “An Evening for Your Heart,” from 6 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at the Cowlitz County Expo Center in Longview. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

In addition to the speakers, the event also will feature a health expo, including informational booths on Providence heart programs and the latest research available, as well as free blood pressure checks. Attendees also will be given copies of the Oregon Guide to Heart Healthy Living 2008. The annual publication is filled with information on making heart healthy lifestyle changes – from what to cook for dinner to how to track important cardiovascular numbers.

As founder and now director of the Providence Heart and Vascular Institute, Dr. Starr recently was recognized with the international Albert Lasker Award for his pioneering work with heart valves. Dr. Starr has treated many Longview residents during his long career, and is among the team of physicians at Providence St. Vincent that serves the physicians and residents in the Longview and Kelso areas.