LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — February marks American Heart Month, and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), along with community partners, is offering free programs and classes aimed at reducing risk factors for heart disease.
According to SNHD, heart disease and stroke rank as the first and fifth leading causes of death in the United States, respectively.
Alarming statistics also reveal that every 43 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers a heart attack, while every four minutes, a person dies from a stroke.
In 2022, cardiovascular disease was responsible for 702,880 deaths nationwide, surpassing the combined fatalities from all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease, the health district added.
In Clark County, 3.5% of adults reported experiencing angina or coronary heart disease in 2023, up from 3.2% in 2021.
5.2% of adults reported experiencing angina, coronary heart disease, or heart attack in 2023.
White non-Hispanic adults had the highest prevalence of these conditions:
White non-Hispanic: 6%Black non-Hispanic: 4.2%Hispanic: 2.7%Asian non-Hispanic: 1.5%American Indian non-Hispanic: Data not available
District officials say it’s never too late to adopt healthier habits to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke and improve cardiovascular health.
The following heart-healthy classes and resources are available to the public:
Free Self-Monitoring Blood Pressure Program
Offered in partnership with the YMCA of Southern Nevada, the Healthy Hearts Ambassador Program provides personalized support to help people with hypertension develop a blood pressure self-monitoring routine, which can lower the risk for stroke or heart disease. The program also offers nutrition education and tips for maintaining cardiovascular health. The free classes are offered on Tuesdays, starting February 11, at the Durango Hills Community Center, 3521 N. Durango Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89129. Additional free classes are offered on Wednesdays, starting February 12, at the Heinrich YMCA, 4141 Meadows Ln., Las Vegas, NV 89107. For more information, or to register, call (702) 832-4914 or email aredd@lasvegasymca.org.
Heart of the Community Block Party
The Health District and community partners are hosting the first Heart of the Community Block Party on Saturday, February 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Center, 2420 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV 89032. The free event will include health screenings, a women’s health mobile clinic, heart-healthy food demonstrations, educational workshops, kids’ activities, yoga, sound healing, free haircuts, DJ music, and more.
Blood Pressure Screening Events
Free blood pressure checks, administered by the Health District through the Barbershop and Beauty Shop Health Outreach Project, will be available at the following locations:
Friday, February 7: The Beautiful Studio, 1–3 p.m., at the Go Red for Women Event, 3950 N. Tenaya Way, #120, Las Vegas, NV 89129Saturday, February 8: Executive Cuts, 10 a.m.–noon, 921 W. Owens Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106Thursday, February 13: Expertise Cosmetology, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 1911 Stella Lake St., Las Vegas, NV 89106Friday, February 14: Masterpiece Barbershop, 3–5 p.m., 2300 N. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89108Saturday, February 15: 5 Star Barbershop, 10 a.m.–noon, 2696 W. Ann Rd., North Las Vegas, NV 89031
Additionally, the Health District sponsors permanent, self-administered blood pressure monitoring stations at the following businesses:
Executive Cuts, 921 W. Owens Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106Blade Masters Barbershop, 2245 N. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89108The Beauty Spot, 6002 Smoke Ranch Rd., Las Vegas, NV 891085 Star Barbershop, 2696 W. Ann Rd., North Las Vegas, NV 89031
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Additional dates and locations for blood pressure screening events can be found here.