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Area Residents Can Learn How To Keep Their Hearts Healthy In NE Philadelphia

By Lynne Adkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Is it a heart attack, or can you wait until the symptoms subside? You can find the answers at a free event at Northeast Philadelphia's Nazareth Hospital on Holme Avenue on Tuesday.

Cardiologist Dr. Thomas Metkus says it's essential for people to understand what may be happening to them so they know what not to ignore.

"To educate our community with regard to chest pain, the symptom, what it may entail and also to educate the community on cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and risk factors," Metkus said, describing the event's goal.

Metkus says it's important to realize that heart disease affects a lot of people.

"Chest pain is an extremely common complaint," he said. "Nationwide, some 8 million visits to the emergency rooms are for chest pain. It is an extraordinarily common complaint that could signify very serious cardiovascular disease."

It begins at 4:30pm on Tuesday. There will be free BMI and blood pressure screenings, and you can register by calling 1-866-NAZARETH.

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