Heart Health Gets a Boost in East Tennessee

In East Tennessee, a new team-up is putting heart health front and center. The YMCA of East Tennessee and Cardio Diagnostics are joining forces to help people take charge of their heart health. This isn't just about workouts; it's about using smart tech and know-how to catch heart issues early. Heart disease is a big deal in Tennessee, causing nearly 23% of deaths statewide. That's higher than the national average. The YMCA has been a go-to spot for health and fitness in Knoxville for years, with over 40, 000 members. Now, they're adding a new tool to their belt: advanced heart health tests from Cardio Diagnostics. Starting in November 2025, the YMCA will host educational sessions called Wisdom Wednesdays. These sessions will teach folks about heart health and how to lower their risk. Plus, YMCA members and the wider community can get discounted rates on Cardio Diagnostics' heart health tests. These tests use AI and epigenetics to predict heart disease risk and help manage it. The goal? To make heart health care more accessible and proactive. Instead of waiting for problems, people can take steps to prevent them. Both organizations are hoping this partnership will make a real difference in the community. But it's not all smooth sailing. Making sure people understand and use these tools will be key. And while the tests are a step forward, they're not a cure-all. Still, it's a move in the right direction for heart health in East Tennessee.