Visitors of all ages at the fair organized by the Mainz Science Alliance were able to test their knowledge of cardiovascular diseases at our booth and win an anti-stress ball. This allowed us to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases in a fun way and give some people food for thought. The opportunity to have one’s blood pressure measured was also well received.

While some myths—such as “The heart always beats at the same rate” among children or “Only endurance sports like jogging or cycling strengthen the heart” among adults—were usually quickly debunked, the myth that Himalayan salt or sea salt is healthier for the heart often led people astray. The non-classic symptoms of a heart attack (especially in women) were also new to some visitors.

We’re glad to have sparked interest in this topic among our visitors, because even the best research is useless if patients don’t see a doctor or wait too long to do so.

We were particularly pleased to welcome Clemens Hoch, the Minister of Science, Further Education, and Health for the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, who also had his blood pressure checked.