BRIGHTON – A free heart health event July 27 is aimed at helping keep the Greater Boston community healthy and reduce residents’ risk of heart disease. St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Department of Cardiology and the American College of Cardiology are organizing the health fair that will include screening for peripheral artery disease, a common condition.

“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States,” said Joseph Carrozza, MD, chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. “By offering this free event, we aim to promote good heart health for our neighbors and community and broaden awareness of steps people can take to reduce their risk of heart disease.”

Attendees to the fair will be offered the opportunity to undergo screening of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. Peripheral artery disease is primarily caused by the accumulation of fatty plaque in the arteries, called atherosclerosis. The condition can occur in any blood vessel but is more common in the legs than arms.

Dr. Uyen Lam, director of Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Dr. Abumoawad Abdelrhman, cardiologist, will oversee the health fair. 
Date: Saturday, July 27 
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 280 Washington St., Suite 100, Brighton, Massachusetts.   

Attendees of the health fair will also have access to:
•    Blood pressure check
•    Dietitian classes 
•    Exercise classes
•    Stress reduction techniques
•    Pill organizer boxes and home blood pressure cuffs will be provided to attendees based on need

“Our goal in offering this health fair is to support our community and offer preventative measures for residents so they can enjoy their highest quality of life,” said Dr. Lam. “I appreciate the work Dr. Abdelrhman has done to coordinate this event in partnership with the American College of Cardiology.”

About St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center
Steward St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston, Inc., a Boston University Teaching Hospital, offers patients access to some of Boston's most respected physicians and advanced treatments for a full range of medical specialties, including family medicine, cardiovascular care, women and infants' health, cancer care, neurology care, and orthopedics. The 306-bed tertiary care facility is part of Steward Health Care. For more information, visit www.semc.org.

About Steward Health Care 
Over a decade ago, Steward Health Care System emerged as a different kind of health care company designed to usher in a new era of wellness. One that provides our patients better, more proactive care at a sustainable cost, our providers unrivaled coordination of care, and our communities greater prosperity and stability.

As the country’s largest physician-led, minority-owned, integrated health care system, our doctors can be certain that we share their interests and those of their patients. Together we are on a mission to revolutionize the way health care is delivered - creating healthier lives, thriving communities and a better world.

Based in Dallas, Steward currently operates more than 30 hospitals across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.