Cincinnati - The Christ Hospital will hold a FREE education program called "The ABCs of Vascular Disease," on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in The Christ Hospital Auditorium, A-Level, 2139 Auburn Ave. Admission, parking and refreshments are FREE. Limited seating is available and registration is required. Call 513-585-CARE to register.

Topics will include:

• Welcome and introduction to heart and vascular services at The Christ Hospital; Presented by Dean Kereiakes, M.D., Medical Director of The Heart Center of Greater Cincinnati
• Vascular disease-What is it? Presented by John Paul Runyon, M.D.
• Carotid artery disease: Stroke prevention. Presented by Robert Bulas, M.D.
• Vascular imaging: Making the diagnoses. Presented by Daniel Long, M.D.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysms-"The silent killer" Presented by Peter Podore, M.D.
• Q&A

Vascular disease is most commonly caused atherosclerotic plaque (cholesterol) build up in your arteries. Because plaque causes obstruction to blood flow, an adequate supply of oxygen may not reach vital organs or tissues in your body. The arteries may also enlarge (aneurysm) or even rupture (break). If left untreated, vascular disease can result in the loss of a limb, loss of a vital organ, stroke or even death.

The Christ Hospital is part of the Health Alliance, an integrated health care delivery system that also includes The University Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals, The Jewish Hospital, The Fort Hamilton Hospital, Drake Center, West Chester Medical Center and the physicians of Alliance Primary Care. To view other Health Alliance news releases, go to www.health-alliance.com/pressroom .

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