Free screenings are offered at the Indiana Black Expo

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting more than 16 million people ages 20 and older.

In an effort to combat this staggering statistic, HeartSense, in collaboration with the Marion County Public Health Department, is leading an initiative to promote heart health awareness and provide crucial screenings.

Dr. Antoine Keller, co-founder of Heart Sense and renowned cardiac surgeon, stressed the importance of early detection in preventing heart attacks.

“Many patients I see in my practice were not aware of their risk factors until after they had a heart attack,” Keller says. “To address this problem, we developed an innovative program using artificial intelligence to assess individuals’ risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as genetic predispositions. »

Dr. Virginia Caine, director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Department of Public Health, joined Keller, who emphasized the hereditary nature of heart disease.

“Genetic characteristics can have a significant influence on susceptibility to heart problems,” Caine emphasized. “Our goal is to diagnose diseases such as structural valve disease early, which could save lives before serious complications arise. »

The initiative is set to debut at the Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair, which will be held at Booth 544 from June 28-29. Attendees will have access to free screenings facilitated by a team of medical experts. These exams, which include digital stethoscope assessments and ECGs, are designed to provide rapid diagnostic information without the need for invasive procedures.

“We want to encourage everyone, regardless of age or perceived health status, to take advantage of these free resources,” Jenkins urged. “Preventative care is often overlooked due to cost, but these screenings are completely free and could potentially save lives.”

Keller echoed that sentiment, emphasizing personal responsibility for health care.

“Taking charge of your own well-being is crucial to a long and fulfilling life,” Keller said. “Whether you feel healthy or not, early detection can make all the difference. »

The Indiana Black Expo serves as a critical platform for this outreach effort, aimed at educating and empowering attendees on the importance of proactively managing heart health. For more information and event details, click here.