Improving Heart And Brain Health Across Disciplines

In early 2018, Dr. Justin Fraser, surgical director of UK HealthCare’s Comprehensive Stroke Center, recognized the need for a joint team of cardiac and stroke specialists who are dedicated to providing education and prevention resources for Kentucky’s communities. Since its inception, this team has evolved into a committee made up of representatives from both the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute and Kentucky Neuroscience Institute.  

Community education

The team of physicians, physician assistants, nurses and administrators has worked relentlessly over the past year to provide educational seminars and joint cardiac and stroke screenings, including at the American Heart Association Lexington Heart Walk, Mind Matters Health Fair, Dining for Hadassah, Star of Bethlehem Health Fair, Eastern Kentucky University Health Fair and Lexington Senior Center.  

Each event is tailored to meet the unique needs of the respective audiences, but one aspect remains the same: All participants have the opportunity to undergo a cardiac/stroke risk assessment and receive individualized counseling as well as educational information specific to them.  

Well-aware that prevention is key, this team hopes that it can bring a better understanding of the shared risk factors for stroke and heart disease to the people of the Commonwealth.