A free preventive heart screening and education event will be held Monday, September 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rush University Medical Center. The screening will be held in room 994 of the Armour Academic Center, 600 S. Paulina, Chicago.

The free screening is a collaboration between Rush University Medical Center, Life Line Screening and The Larry King Cardiac Foundation. The mission of the Foundation, created by renowned talk show host Larry King, is to provide life-saving cardiac care for patients who have no insurance or limited means.

The screening will include tests for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and body mass index (BMI). Participants will receive on-the-spot screening results and a personal consultation to discuss results with a health care provider.

The screening is part of The Larry King Cardiac Foundation's 'Health Across America' campaign to raise awareness about heart disease and provide testing to those who would not normally have access to this support. Addressing risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and smoking greatly reduces risk for illness and death from heart disease.

"Since screening, intervention and treatment services for these risk factors are often beyond the reach of minority and low-income populations, these populations have a disproportionate burden of death and disability from cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Annabelle Volgman, cardiologist and medical director of the Rush Heart Center for Women.

Appointments are required. Public transportation is highly recommended. Call Rush physician referral services at (888) 352-RUSH to register or for more information.

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