Over 75 South Brevard residents got answers to heart-health questions during the first Heart-to-Heart event at Banyan Estates in Malabar
Health First heart specialists answer questions from community members during the “A Heart-to-Heart with the Experts” event at Banyan Estates in Malabar. More than 75 residents attended the first Heart-to-Heart event held in South Brevard.
BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA — At Health First’s recent “A Heart-to-Heart with the Experts” event, community members had the opportunity to sit down with local heart specialists, ask questions and get answers directly from the experts.
The free, community event was held at Banyan Estates in Malabar, marking the first time Health First brought its Heart-to-Heart program to South Brevard.
The goal was simple: give residents an opportunity to talk directly with physicians, ask the questions they may not always get to ask during a doctor’s appointment, and learn more about taking care of their hearts.
The panel included Tamim Antaki, MD, cardiothoracic surgery; Kyeesha Beacoats, MD, cardiology; Aashish Gupta, MD, vascular surgery; Vishal Patel, MD, MSc, electrophysiology; and Norberto Schechtmann, MD, interventional cardiology.
Following the success of previous Heart-to-Heart events, Health First extended the program from one hour to 90 minutes to allow more time for conversation and audience questions.
The additional time was well spent, with more than 75 community members attending and actively engaging with the physicians.
Rather than simply listening to a presentation, attendees brought thoughtful questions covering a wide range of heart-health concerns.
They asked about the differences between heart medications and how doctors determine which medication is right for a patient. They wanted to know what follow-up care looks like after major open-heart surgery and how calcium scores can help assess cardiovascular risk.
Community members participate in a lively Q&A with Health First heart specialists during the “A Heart-to-Heart with the Experts” event at Banyan Estates in Malabar. The 90-minute discussion gave attendees an opportunity to ask questions and get answers directly from local physicians.
Among the topics discussed were heart medications and how they differ, follow-up care after major open-heart surgery, the role of calcium scores in assessing heart health, and the connection between sleep apnea and cardiovascular health.
The physicians also discussed whether people should establish a relationship with a cardiologist before experiencing symptoms or wait until a heart-health concern arises.
The discussion also touched on access to care. When asked whether the physicians were accepting new patients, the answer was a resounding yes.
For Health First, the event was about more than sharing medical information. It was about making it easier for people to have conversations about their health outside of an exam room and know where to turn when they have questions or concerns.
The event also included a heart-healthy lunch and refreshments for attendees.
The next event is planned for February 2027 in recognition of Heart Month, with plans to hold two Heart-to-Heart events each year at different locations.
For residents, the takeaway from the afternoon was perhaps the simplest one: when it comes to your heart, there is no such thing as a bad question.
For more information on future events, follow Health First on social media.
If you’re looking for a heart or vascular specialist or would like to learn more about Health First’s cardiovascular services, visit: https://www.hf.org/heart
