WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Larry King Cardiac Foundation (LKCF) has been chosen as a recipient of a grant created from the proceeds of the 2nd Annual Jack Nicklaus Heart & Stroke Challenge. Jack Nicklaus, legendary golfer and ALTACE(r) (ramipril) celebrity spokesperson, joined forces with King Pharmaceuticals and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals to create a series of month-long golf events to increase awareness of the rising risk of cardiovascular dysfunctions such as heart attack and stroke among people age 55 and older.
Mr. Nicklaus, a cardiac patient with hypertension, echoes the beliefs and actions of The Larry King Cardiac Foundation. By creating a program to increase awareness of cardiovascular dangers and improving treatment, research and education, he personally recognizes the importance of understanding the diseases and preventative care.
"I can't thank Mr. Nicklaus and the team at King Pharmaceuticals and Wyeth enough for making our foundation one of the fortunate recipients of donated support from their great golf events," says Larry King, Jr., president of The Larry King Cardiac Foundation. "By supporting the Heart & Stroke Challenge, individuals help The Larry King Cardiac Foundation Save a Heart a Day, while learning about the importance of heart-healthy lifestyles."
Individuals reaching age 55 must begin to make heart health a priority; nearly one in three American adults suffers from hypertension (high blood pressure), which increases the risk for heart complications. Meanwhile, men and women age 55 and older are at an increased risk for suffering a cardiovascular event such as heart attack, stroke, and even cardiovascular-related death compared with those ages 45 to 54.
The general public is invited to enter local golf tournaments at participating golf courses free of charge, but they are given the opportunity to donate money to the cause by purchasing a "mulligan," or to retake a shot. Each member of the two winning teams at each of the participating courses will win a framed lithograph of Nicklaus' farewell at the British Open and will then be eligible for a day of golf activities with Jack Nicklaus.
The Larry King Cardiac Foundation provides cardiac care and resources through affiliate partners for individuals who, due to limited means and inadequate insurance, would otherwise be unable to receive treatment. The foundation works in conjunction with hospitals throughout the nation to ensure that such patients receive proper medical attention. For more information regarding The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, please visit www.lkcf.org.