Dr. Cynthia Ennis Receives Heart Association’s Highest Honor
April 5, 2017 Leave a comment
The Central Massachusetts American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association has recognized Cynthia Ennis, DO, cardiologist, with its highest honor, the Heart of Gold Award. Dr. Ennis is an exemplary health care professional who has demonstrated energetic support and guidance. She has provided substantial contributions toward reducing disability/death due to heart disease and stroke. In her nomination, Dr. Ennis was recognized as a long-time volunteer for the AHA and an advocate for hands-only CPR training leading large groups of volunteers and Medical School students to provide training.
Medical students and heart and vascular physicians are working together to teach hands-only CPR to as many people as possible in the communities we serve. The simple technique can save the lives of people in cardiac arrest and can be easily taught to laypeople. “Most people don’t survive cardiac arrest, but receiving CPR as soon as possible dramatically improves chances of survival,” explained Cynthia Ennis, DO, cardiologist. “You can’t hurt a patient with hands-only CPR, you can only help them,” Dr. Ennis said. “Just pushing hard and fast on the chest can improve survival significantly.” 
Cynthia Ennis, DO, cardiologist, was featured in a Community Advocate article on common 
Understanding the numbers that represent being at risk for heart disease can help women impact the larger number: the number of women dying each year from heart disease. Cynthia Ennis, MD, director of our Women’s Heart Health Program, says the knowledge of these risk factors is empowering for women because it creates a roadmap toward heart health. The numbers women should focus on are their cholesterol level, waist size and blood pressure level. “It’s extremely important that women have access to these numbers and understand their own personal risk for a heart attack, diabetes or stroke,” she said. 
