Free Healthy Heart screening event growing this year to service more Henry Ford Health communities

Henry Ford Health is growing a tradition this month that has served thousands of Metro Detroit residents with free, valuable and potential live-saving information over two decades.

The Healthy Heart free heart screening initiative continues April 26, debuting at two new area hospital locations, bringing the total to six convenient spots to undergo valuable cardiovascular health screenings.

For the first time this year, the Downriver community will have free access to the event, as Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital will host the event. In addition, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township will host a Healthy Heart screening event.

Since 2005, more than 10,000 patients have been serviced at Healthy Heart. Participants receive a free whole heart checkup, including an electrocardiogram (EKG) — all at no cost to them.

Heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association, which noted in January that nearly 1 million Americans died from cardiovascular disease related illness in 2022, the most recent data available.

"This is Henry Ford Health's commitment to keeping our community healthy. While these screenings do not replace seeing your physician, it's a great start to keeping your heart healthy," said Dr. Shukri David, a cardiovascular services leader at Henry Ford Health. "Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer, not just of American men but also of women — more than all cancers combined.

"We're very grateful to our physicians, nurses and staff who volunteer on a Saturday to keep their community healthy."

Other free screenings include blood pressure, BMI and blood glucose. Patients will receive results that day and meet one-on-one with a doctor. There will also be a stroke assessment and information on weight loss, diet and nutrition.

In addition to the Wyandotte and Macomb hospitals, Healthy Heart will take place at the Henry Ford Genesys Heart and Vascular in Grand Blanc; Henry Ford Rochester Hospital; Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital; and Henry Ford Warren Hospital.

No appointment is needed to take part in the event, which begins at 7 a.m. at each location. Residents need to be in line by 11 a.m. to ensure participation.