TUCSON, Ariz. – Although the dangers of heart disease are well-known, the relationship between inflammation, arthritis and heart disease is less understood.
The science behind the arthritis-cardiovascular connection will be explored in a free presentation, “Listen to Your Heart...A Cardiologist's Inside Look at Cardiovascular Health, Inflammation and Arthritis,” on Wednesday, April 5, 6-7:15 p.m., at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, DuVal Auditorium, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson. The 75-minute talk, which is open to the public, will include time for questions and answers.
University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center cardiologist Charles Katzenberg, MD, will discuss cardiovascular risk and its relationship with inflammation. Topics will include the key role of the inflammatory process in arthritis-related and other diseases; the subsequent increases in the risk of diabetes, hypertension and underlying cardiac disease; and research initiatives on the horizon. Dr. Katzenberg will explore the impact of an anti-inflammatory diet and will discuss how specific preventive measures can help reduce cardiovascular risk. Additionally, he will highlight what a heart-healthy lifestyle consists of, and the vast benefits it offers.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, studies have shown that men who had osteoarthritis were as much as 40 percent more likely to suffer from heart disease than men without arthritis, and women with osteoarthritis were 23 percent more likely to suffer the effects of heart disease. Although osteoarthritis is not in itself inflammatory, its damage can cause inflammation, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease heads the list among the serious complications people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience. Having RA doubles the risk of most heart problems, including heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis — the buildup of fat, cholesterol and cellular debris (plaque) on blood vessel walls. Because of these relationships it is especially important for individuals suffering from arthritis to know how to take care of their cardiovascular health.
Dr. Katzenberg is a clinical professor of medicine at the UA Sarver Heart Center and a board-certified cardiologist who practices at Banner – University Medical Center’s North Hills Physician Offices. He developed a heart disease prevention program called the HEART Series, which is offered twice a year. He practices what he preaches: he is a pesco-vegan (one who follows a plant-based diet that includes seafood) and an enthusiastic cyclist who has been known to appear at community lectures in cycling gear.
Seating for the lecture is limited and prior registration is requested. For more information or to register, please visit the UA Arthritis Center website, www.arthritis.arizona.edu, or call 520-626-5040 or email livinghealthy@arthritis.arizona.edu
Parking is available in the Banner – University Medical Center Tucson visitor/patient parking garage just south of the hospital’s main entrance; please bring your parking ticket to the lecture to be validated for free parking.
If you have questions concerning access, wish to request a sign language interpreter or disability-related accommodations, please contact Tracy Shake, 520-626-5040, email: livinghealthy@arthritis.arizona.edu
The lecture is part of the “Living Healthy with Arthritis” series of free monthly talks presented by the UA Arthritis Center at the UA College of Medicine – Tucson and supported through the Susan and Saul Tobin Endowment for Research and Education in Rheumatology. The final lecture in the spring 2017 series will be held Wednesday, May 3, 6-7:15 p.m., at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, DuVal Auditorium, and will feature Sairam Parthasarathy, MD, director, UA Center for Sleep Disorders; program director, UA Sleep Medicine Fellowship Program, and professor of medicine, UA College of Medicine – Tucson.
About the University of Arizona Arthritis Center
The University of Arizona Arthritis Center, a Center of Excellence at the UA College of Medicine – Tucson, is a research leader with a focus on identifying the causes of arthritis and developing improved diagnosis, measurement and treatment of the disease. For more information, please visit www.arthritis.arizona.edu