SMYRNA, Tenn. - February is American Heart Month and is dedicated to focusing on heart healthy habits to help prevent cardiovascular disease. To raise awareness throughout Rutherford County, TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center will glow red each night during the month of February to support the American Heart Associations’ “National Wear Red Day.” to help raise awareness of the threat of heart disease in women as part of the Go Red for Women movement.

The most powerful tool in preventing heart disease is knowing your personal risk of heart disease and steps you can take to prevent heart disease,” said Prakash Patel M.D., chief medical officer at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna, Tenn. “Everyone should take the first step in prevention by talking with their healthcare provider about personal risk. And this should happen during every stage of life – not just with older adults.”

“Taking personal steps to prevent heart disease and continually assessing your risk for developing heart disease should be life-long habits,” said Dr. Patel. “Everyone must also pay attention to any signs or symptoms of heart disease. Early detection and treatment of heart disease and seeking emergency care quickly at the first sign of a heart attack can be the difference between life and death.”

This past Friday (Feb. 4, 2022), TriStar StoneCrest colleagues across the hospital wore red attire to spread awareness that heart disease can impact any age, which is why even the tiniest patients were swaddled in red blankets. 

As the month continues, more events that focus on the heart have been scheduled. One of those events will take place next Tuesday, February 15th.  StoneCrest officials confirmed that a "Facebook Live Presentation" will be held online from 2:15 pm – 2:30 pm. To watch the event, head to TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TriStarStoneCrest.  Dr. Thomas Cabell, cardiologist, will lead a discussion on healing the heart, body, and soul. Dr. Cabell will discuss other lifestyle factors outside of diet and exercise contributing to conditions of the heart.

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Ongoing: FREE Online Heart Risk Assessment at TriStarHealth.com/MyHeartRisk. By answering a few quick questions, participants immediately receive a digital report with information that allows them to compare their actual age to their heart’s biological age; estimate their risk of developing heart disease over the next 10-30 years; and prioritize their most harmful cardiovascular risk factors.