Verde Valley Medical Center invites the community to its “Heart of the Matter” cardiac education topic Monday, April 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Kidney and Heart Disease Connection will be presented by Thomas Neumann, M.D., nephrologist.

Kidney disease is both a cause and a consequence of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of all Americans. Heart disease is the primary cause of death for the more than 20 million people in the U.S. with chronic kidney disease. Having chronic kidney disease increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, whether or not other risk factors for heart disease are present. Hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes are major risk factors for both chronic kidney disease and heart disease.

Learn more about the connection between kidney and cardiovascular disease in April’s free lecture. The program will be presented at VVMC, 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, in Conference Rooms B and C. Please call 639-6322 to reserve a seat. Walk-in attendance also is welcome.