FRAMINGHAM, MA - On Thursday, May 19, Dr. Daniel Levy, Director of the Framingham Heart Study, will discuss his book A Change of Heart at 7 p.m. in the Costin Room at the Framingham Public Library. The book explains the process and findings of the heart study, which revolutionized our understanding of the causes and treatment of heart disease.

Did you know that your heart beats approximately 42,075,900 times per year, and that it goes largely unnoticed unless something goes wrong with it?

In 1948, the Framingham Heart Study was undertaken to try to pinpoint the causes of cardiovascular disease. The study asked 5,209 citizens of Framingham -- who suffered stokes and heart attacks to the same extent as the rest of the United States -- to undergo biennial physicals, blood tests and detailed interviews concerning their behavior. The rest is medical history.

Following the talk, there will be a question-and-answer period as well as a book sale and signing. This event is co-sponsored by the Framingham Public Library and Borders Books. Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Framingham Library. Questions? Call 508-879-3570 x228.

Coincidentally, the Framingham Heart Study was recently a featured topic in the health and fitness section of Parade.com. Their article is linked to framingham.com’s information about the Framingham Heart Study, one of the more popular parts of this web site.

Dr. Levy’s book may be borrowed from the Framingham Public Library or purchased at the talk, or from Borders or Amazon.com.

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