It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Louisiana. Just think of all that fried food, sugar and alcohol. It is also due in part to greater-than-average rates of risk factors like obesity, cigarette smoking and high blood pressure. Another contributing factor to likelihood of death by heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues is that quality cardiovascular care is not easily accessible for underserved and minority populations. Luckily, the St. Thomas Community Health Center recently added heart & vascular support services. It’s the first comprehensive cardiovascular program offered by a Federally Qualified Health Center in the Greater New Orleans region.