According to the American Heart Association, many people having a heart attack wait more than three hours before seeking help. Some people feel it would be embarrassing to have a “false alarm.” Others are so afraid of having a heart attack that they tell themselves they aren’t having one. These feelings are easy to understand, but they’re also very dangerous. If you think you may be having a heart attack, don’t hesitate ... call 911 or your emergency response number immediately. Making the call could save your life.

How can you help to avoid a heart attack? The American Heart Association states that the following may reduce your chances:



• Don’t smoke or vape and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Keep your blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg.
• Get your cholesterol checked and talk to your health care professional about your numbers.
• Eat foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium (salt) and added sugars.
• Be physically active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight. A normal body mass index is between 18.5–24.9.
• Keep your fasting blood sugar less than 100 mg/dL or an A1C of less than 5.7%.
• Get enough sleep. Aim for an average of 7-9 hours of sleep a day.
• Get regular medical check-ups.
• Take your medication as prescribed. 

Marco G. Cavagna, MD, PhD joins the Heritage Valley Heart & Vascular Centers in Beaver and Leetsdale. He graduated from Columbia College in New York with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, and earned both his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and his Medical Degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Cavagna completed his Medical Residency at the University of Virginia Health System; a Fellowship in Cardiology at Georgetown University Hospital-Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC; and a Fellowship in Electrophysiology at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. Prior to joining the HVMG Heart and Vascular Center, Dr. Cavagna was a Partner in DuBois Regional Cardiology Associates.

Dr. Cavagna is board certified in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology; Nuclear Cardiology; Cardiovascular Disease; and Internal Medicine, and is a member of the American College of Cardiology. He is fluent in Italian.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cavagna, please call 724-773-4502.

Your heart is a muscle and, just like any other muscle, exercise will strengthen it. Being physically active is a great step toward good heart health, and is essential following a cardiac event. 

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Heritage Valley Health System is designed to help patients with heart disease recover faster and return to full and productive lives. Cardiac rehab includes exercise, education, counseling and learning how to live a healthier life. Our specially trained team consists of cardiologists, nurses, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians who will work with you to design a program to meet your specific needs. Almost everyone with heart disease can benefit from some type of cardiac rehab. No one is too old or too young!

Cardiac Rehabilitation is offered at the following Heritage Valley locations:   

• Heritage Valley Kennedy: 25 Heckel Road, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 (412-777-6849)
• The Heart & Vascular Center: 605 Sharon Road, Beaver, PA 15009 (724-773-4507)
• The Heart & Vascular Center: 12 Quaker Village Shopping Center, Ohio River Boulevard, Suite 2A, Leetsdale, PA 15056 (724-773-4636)

A physician referral is needed to begin a cardiac rehab program through Heritage Valley Health System.  

To help support and educate our community in blood pressure management, Heritage Valley partners with the American Heart Association to provide self-service HealthBot stations in three of our Medical Neighborhoods ... Center Township, Chippewa and Robinson Township. The HealthBot stations measure blood pressure, heart rate, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI), giving you the chance to “know your numbers” and monitor your vital signs. By consistently tracking these numbers over time, you may be able to decrease high rates of hypertension and obesity.

Please stop by one of these three Medical Neighborhoods Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 7:30 pm, or Sundays from 8:00 am – 3:30 pm to check your numbers. Knowledge is power when it comes to adopting a healthy lifestyle!