While the death rate from heart disease is lower in Catawba County than statewide averages, it still claims the most lives.  Stroke death rates are higher in Catawba County than the state average, which is the fourth highest in the country.

Because of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease – including heart disease and stroke – in the county, Catawba Valley Medical Center recognizes that treatment and education are equally important in reducing its occurrence. 

In addition to its Heart Center, Catawba Valley Medical Center operates a nationally-certified Cardiac Rehabilitation program.  Its multidisciplinary team seeks to improve a patient’s heart healthy lifestyle through medically-supervised physical conditioning, psychology and stress management, diet, and work-related therapy. 

The medical center’s Stroke Team was established to provide specialized assistance for patients presenting with a stroke or stroke symptoms.  Because strokes can be more damaging the longer they are left untreated, the Stroke Team utilizes a quick-response protocol to ensure patients receive immediate care when they arrive at the Emergency Department.  The medical center also employs specialized cardiovascular and stroke case managers on its staff.

In terms of outreach, Catawba Valley Medical Center offers a comprehensive array of initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and reducing the impact of cardiovascular risk factors.  These include the following:

• Walk Catawba Valley, an initiative challenging all Catawba County residents to get active is some form
• Free smoking cessation programs in conjunction with Catawba County Public Health and the American Cancer Society
• Weight Solutions, a weight management program, and the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence for acute weight loss treatment
• Heart to Heart classes to assess and modify at-risk behaviors
• Heart Healthy nutrition classes
• Free community stroke risk analysis events with physician-led seminars
• Free cholesterol and blood pressure screenings at the Health First Center
• L.E.A.R.N. (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, Relationships, and Nutrition), a 10-week program enabling healthy lifestyle changes
   

Catawba Valley Medical Center recognizes that treatment and education are equally important in reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.