Regional West Recognizes American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, on the first Friday in February people and organizations celebrate National Wear Red Day to bring greater attention to heart disease. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the U.S. The American Heart Association reports that while deaths from heart attacks have declined, other heart-related conditions like heart failure and arrythmia are increasing.

Though heart disease is common, there are many ways to reduce risk and improve heart health. Early screening, education, and adopting heart-healthy habits can help reduce the risk of CVD. Managing cholesterol and diet, blood pressure, and blood sugar are also key components to a healthy heart.

“It’s important for people of all ages to take steps to prevent heart disease, especially if they are at increased risk because of factors like high cholesterol or blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, or family history,” said cardiologist Christopher Lambert, MD, FACC.

For patients needing a full range of cardiovascular care, Regional West provides services through the cardiology clinic, Heart Center, and the cardiac rehabilitation program. The clinic offers many non-invasive cardiology services, including cardiac stress tests, cardiac pacemakers, and echocardiograms, to treat heart issues such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attacks, and congestive heart failure. The Heart Center features a completely remodeled and updated catheterization lab and equipment. 

The cardiac rehabilitation program, located in Regional West’s Rehab Center, is one of only two programs the panhandle accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) to meet and exceed the essential standards of care for cardiac rehab patients.

"The cardiac rehabilitation program is proud to be AACVPR accredited and here to help our region’s heart and lung patients,” said Sheree Verbeck, RN, BSN, a member of the cardiac rehabilitation team. “Our patients receive individualized treatment and exercise plans, as well as ongoing and focused education from our team of ACLS certified nurses in the Rehab Center.”

To learn more about Regional West’s Heart & Lung services, visit RWHS.org/services/heart-lung.

About Regional West
Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a regional referral center and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska 
west of Kearney. Since 1924, Regional West has served the people of western Nebraska and 
the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming through innovative healthcare services. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West offers an expansive array 
of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics.