/ 18 September 2006

Netcare to provide free heart screenings

A private hospital company will conduct free screenings for heart conditions to anyone visiting their facilities next Thursday.

”We want to make people aware of the risk factors associated with the development of cardio-vascular disease,” Netcare’s chief operations officer Ryan Noach said.

”As a result, we have launched a heart-awareness campaign that involves free screening for cholesterol, blood-sugar levels, hypertension [blood pressure] and obesity [body mass index]. Prevention is always better than cure.”

Noach said anyone interested in having their risk for cardio-vascular disease assessed can have it done for free at any Netcare hospital, Medicross or Primecure Medical Centre.

”People who participate will receive their results directly after the screening and will be informed should they have a risk for cardio-vascular disease.”

He said participants would also be advised to consult their GP for further treatment or investigation, should that be necessary.

”People who were recently treated for cardiac-related conditions are also welcome, as we will be able to give them a free-of-charge health update,” Noach said.

”When a cardiac condition is detected early, timeous and effective treatment can make a world of difference to the health of the person involved.”

Noach said a projected 25 000 people were expected to have their heart conditions screened next Thursday.

September is Heart Awareness Month. — Sapa