Wellstar Douglas recently hosted a cardiology event in Douglasville, Ga., aimed at educating the community about heart health and highlighting the services available at Wellstar. The event sought to reduce the need for community members to travel long distances for specialized cardiac care.
Dr. Joshua Willis, an interventional cardiologist, led the presentation with valuable tips on recognizing the signs of a heart attack and how to respond in such emergencies. He emphasized the importance of calling an ambulance rather than attempting to drive oneself to the hospital. “Every moment is precious when dealing with the heart,” Willis said, stressing that EMTs are trained to provide critical care during transport.
Attendees were captivated as Willis used videos and detailed explanations to walk them through a cardiac catheterization procedure. The relief was visible on attendees’ faces as they saw blood flow restored through the heart after a blockage was removed.
Dr. Willis also addressed post-procedure care, underscoring the importance of adhering to prescribed medications, maintaining consistent follow-ups with healthcare providers, avoiding smoking, and incorporating exercise when recommended.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the state, accounting for more than 28,000 deaths annually—roughly one in three deaths overall. Many of these deaths are considered preventable.
Attendees participate from the heart
The event was well-received by attendees, who actively engaged with questions about heart health and sought clarification on misconceptions they had encountered, particularly on social media…