LAKEPORT, Calif. – Nearly half of Americans are at risk for heart disease, including heart attack, heart failure or arrhythmia according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Heart disease accounts for one in every four deaths, and is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

Establishing care with a cardiologist, or heart doctor, is essential to managing heart conditions and preventing cardiac problems.

Sutter Lakeside Hospital is hosting a free public cardiology seminar with board-certified cardiologists Drs. Minotti and Diets on Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Hospital Conference Room at 5176 Hill Road East in Lakeport.

Interested participants can register by calling 707-262-5121.

The seminar will include light refreshments, a brief presentation on common heart conditions and preventative measures, and an open forum for the doctors to answer attendee questions.

While some heart conditions are hereditary, the risk of many cardiac diseases can be greatly reduced through lifestyle habits such as healthy eating and regular exercise.

Not smoking and not excessively drinking alcohol also reduce the risk of heart disease; contributing factors to heart disease also include high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Other elements of cardiac risk include age and ethnicity; knowing your risk factors and working with your health care team to manage risks can help treat or prevent common heart problems.

For more information on cardiology services, visit www.sutterhealth.org/lakeside.