Heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death and in recognition of Heart Month, UnityPoint Health is offering free blood pressure and cholesterol checks in February across the Quad Cities and Muscatine, Iowa.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are among the most common risk factors for heart disease. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and almost 94 million adults aged 20 and older have borderline high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, and the same is true for those with high cholesterol, which is why regular testing is so important,” Dr. Harish Patlolla of Cardiovascular Medicine. “Together, high blood pressure and high cholesterol place added strain on the heart and blood vessels, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Taking a preventive approach … is an important step toward protecting your heart and overall health.”
The free screenings are open to the public and will be from 2-6 p.m. on these dates:
- Tuesday, Feb. 10: UnityPoint Health Bettendorf (Conference Room A & B), 500 Utica Ridge Road.
- Thursday, Feb. 12: UnityPoint Health Rock Island (Jardine Auditorium), 2701 17th St.
- Tuesday, Feb. 17: UnityPoint Health Moline (conference room), 500 John Deere Road.
- Wednesday, Feb. 25: UnityPoint Health Muscatine (hospital lobby), 1518 Mulberry Ave.
Health experts will be on site to provide readings, offer education, answer questions and connect participants with follow-up care if needed.
For more information on heart care, visit the Trinity Heart Center at unitypoint.org.
