Baystate Launches Free Heart & Vascular Health Lecture Series on Feb. 7

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Medical Center will hold its Heart & Vascular Health Lecture Series during the month of February beginning with a look at “Irregular Heart Beat: What Is It, How Do I Know If I Have It, and What Can I Do If I Develop It?” on Sunday, Feb. 7.

The Heart & Vascular Health Lecture Series, presented by the Baystate Heart & Vascular Program as part of American Heart Month, will focus on presentations designed to inform those attending on the latest advances in heart and vascular care and how they can maintain or improve their heart and vascular health. The lectures will be held on consecutive Sundays from noon to 2 p.m.

Clinical cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Senthil Sivalingam of Baystate Medical Practices – Northampton Cardiology will present the first of four free seminars on Feb. 7 at the Baystate Health Education Center on 361 Whitney Ave. in Holyoke. His presentation will focus on various heart dysrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular dysrhythmia, and who needs an ICD/pacemaker.

The free lectures will continue with “Women and Heart Disease” on Feb. 14, featuring non-invasive cardiologists Dr. Heba Wassif and Dr. Thea Calkins, as well as advanced heart failure cardiologist Dr. Josephine Chou Catanzaro, all of Baystate Medical Practices – Northampton Cardiology.

On Feb. 21, Dr. David Deaton of Baystate’s Cardiac Surgery Division will present “Aortic Aneurysm.” The cardiac surgeon will talk about various symptoms of an aortic aneurysm, diagnostic testing, and genetic predisposition. Different techniques for surgical correction of aneurysms will also be discussed.

The series will conclude on Feb. 28 with “What’s Your Risk for Developing Heart Disease?” presented by preventive cardiologist Dr. Quinn Pack of Baystate’s Heart & Vascular Program. He will discuss how factors such as family history, high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol, environmental factors, and lifestyle can increase one’s risk of heart disease. Participants will learn what tests can determine their risk and what they can do to prevent heart disease.

Light, heart-healthy refreshments will be served at the lectures, and educational handouts on heart and vascular health will be provided. Parking is free. Registration is required for each session by calling (800) 377-4325.