In the frantic rush of holiday shopping, consider a free gift from TidalHealth: heart and vascular screenings.

Heart disease costs an average of $200 billion per year in the United States, and 47 percent of people have a risk factor for heart disease – high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are all significant risks.

Many people put off routine care during the Covid-19 pandemic, and a quick, free screening could prevent a visit to the emergency department when you’d rather be home for the holidays.

The Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute offers a free heart disease check for people not under the care of a cardiologist. The screening includes a fasting lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, risk ratio and glucose), resting 12-lead EKG, body fat/body mass index; blood pressure and pulse oximetry testing and more.

Because of the blood testing, a 12-hour fast is required beforehand. Call 410-543-7026 to schedule your free Heart Smart Screening appointment.

There are also free vascular screenings available for both men and women. Twelve to 20 percent of Americans older than 65 have peripheral arterial disease, but only one-third show symptoms; many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else.

People over 55 who are at higher risk for vascular disease should be screened to detect these vascular problems before they develop into something much more serious.

Those with risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, heart disease or family history of vascular disease; and people who have a symptom such as leg pain or numbness in the leg or foot, may be eligible for a free screening.

If you are 55 or older, please call  410-543-7123 to find out if you qualify for the free vascular screenings and to reserve a date and time. Appointments are available:

• Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 24 — TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, Salisbury.
• Feb. 10 — TidalHealth Primary Care, Millsboro.
• March 10 — TidalHealth Primary Care, Ocean Pines.