CVI Heartbeats
CVI Launches Women's Cardiovascular Program
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has launched a
Women's Cardiovascular Health Program. Program services, provided by a team of seven female and four male cardiologists, include evaluation and management of cardiovascular risk factors in women, treatment of heart disease in women, care of pregnant women with cardiac disease, and care of cardiovascular disease resulting from cancer treatment. "For too long, there has been a perception that heart disease is primarily an older man's disease," says
Loryn S. Feinberg, MD, medical director of the program. In fact, she said, women over age 65 have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease than men, and they're more likely to die of cardiac disease.
For an appointment, call 617-667-8800.
CVI Offers Helpful "Tips + Signs"
As part of its annual celebration of national Heart Month, the CVI sponsored a multimedia educational campaign designed to familiarize the public with tips for heart health and signs of heart and vascular disease. These pointers, offered by the CVI's heart and vascular specialists, appeared on several radio stations and their websites, including WBUR, WBZ, WTKK and WROR; magazines including the Boston Globe Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Red Book and Woman's Day; websites for WCVB-TV News and Boston Magazine, a poster campaign at BIDMC, and other venues. You'll also find our
"Tips + Signs" in this issue of Heartmail.
Heart Booth Screens for Cardiovascular Disease
The CVI kicked off Heart Month Feb. 1 with a booth in BIDMC's Shapiro Clinical Center Lobby dedicated to educating patients, employees and visitors about cardiovascular health. Hundreds of visitors participated in three free educational screenings, took an educational quiz, and received handouts and giveaways. CVI nurses from cardiovascular inpatient floors Farr 3, 5 and 6 conducted the blood pressure, body mass index and ankle-brachial index screenings. CVI employees handed out heart-healthy dark chocolate truffles which, in moderation, really are good for your heart.
Affiliates Host Heart Booths
Several CVI affiliates also welcomed visitors to participate in educational activities this Heart Month:
Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare-Chelsea on February 13,
Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare-Lexington on February 14, and
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham on February 15. The Needham booth includes a free drop-in blood pressure screening.
Yum, Yum: Second Wine and Chocolate Tasting
Once again, on Feb. 15, the CVI teams up with the
Longwood Grille & Bar to celebrate National Heart Month with a Wine and Chocolate Tasting. The generous Grille will donate proceeds (to the
American Heart Association in the name of the BIDMC Heart Walk team. The menu will include three scrumptious pairings: pinot noir with pan-seared scallop, sweet potato pancake and mango-chili chocolate sauce; cabernet sauvignon with coffee-rubbed short rib served with jalapeno and cheddar polenta; and ruby port with chocolate lovers' cake. BIDMC cardiovascular researcher
Murray Mittleman, MD, will give a brief talk on "Wine, Chocolate and Your Heart."