Verde Valley Medical Center invites the community to its “Heart of the Matter” cardiac education topic Monday, Aug. 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This month’s lecture, “Peripheral Arterial Disease,” will be presented by Eric Cohen, M.D., interventional cardiologist with the Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which the arteries supplying blood to the limbs become clogged or partially blocked. When this happens, the extremities have less blood than needed to keep up with demand. PAD refers to a problem with any of the arteries outside the heart, but the term is used most often to describe problems with cramping or pain in the legs when walking.

PAD affects one million Americans, including 5 percent of adults older than 50. If diagnosed early, PAD often can be treated with exercise, diet, and techniques to reduce cholesterol. Early treatment can stop progression of the disease and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The complimentary program will be presented at VVMC, 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, in Conference Rooms B & C. For easiest access to the conference rooms, park in the visitor lot on Candy Lane, and enter through the Outpatient Services entrance. Please RSVP to 639-6551. Walk-in attendance also is welcome.