Speakers: Dr. Anthony DeFranco and Dr. Patricia Grodecki, February 2004 Health Care Leadership Forum

The February 4, 2004 Health Care Leadership Forum featured husband and wife cardiologists, Dr. Anthony DeFranco and Dr. Patricia Grodecki, talking about the number one killer of women, heart disease.

"One out of every two women here will die from some form of cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Grodeck, medical director of the Women's Cardiology Program at McLaren Regional Center.

More women die of heart disease than all cancers combined. Yet, most women are unaware of their risk of heart disease, according to the featured presenters. Dr. DeFranco, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the McLaren Regional Heart and Vascular Center, pointed out that only 10 to 20 percent of women even know the major risk factors of heart disease, which are:

• cigarette smoking
• high blood pressure
• low HDL cholesterol levels
• family history
• age: 45 for males and 55 for females

More than 100 area health care leaders joined to hear the timely message on heart disease. Dr. Grodecki indicated that the same week as the forum the American Heart Association kicked off a campaign, "Go Red for Women," which encourages women to take charge of their health to live longer, stronger lives.

As part of her visit for the Health Care Leadership Forum, Dr. Grodecki also spoke with students at the Math & Science Center and presented to a Women's Only group at Oaklawn Hospital.

View photos from the event here.

Dr. Anthony DeFranco

Dr. Patricia Grodecki