Golden Bear's fundraising supports heart-attack awareness campaign

SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN, Ariz., -- Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus raised $33,500 in funds for the Mended Hearts' "Do More For Your Heart" campaign after carding 16 birdies and 35 pars last week at The Countrywide Tradition, the first senior major championship of the year and Nicklaus' first tournament appearance of 2002.

As part of the "Do More For Your Heart" program, Nicklaus has partnered with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Monarch Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to raise a total of $100,000 for the nonprofit cardiovascular patient support organization, Mended Hearts. Donations will be made to Mended Hearts throughout the year based on Nicklaus' per-hole score in select Senior PGA Tour tournaments. During the season, $500 will be donated to Mended Hearts for every hole parred; $1,000 for every birdie; $5,000 for every eagle; and $10,000 for a hole-in-one. Nicklaus hopes these funds will assist the Mended Hearts in helping older Americans with heart disease reduce their chance of having a heart attack.

"I'm excited that I can work with Mended Hearts to raise money for a program that is close to my heart," Nicklaus said. "When my doctor told me I had high blood pressure, I knew I needed to do more. My doctor prescribed ALTACE¨ (ramipril) to keep my blood pressure under control and it's working great for me. But I have learned that ALTACE can help others in a different and important way. For people 55 or older who have had a heart attack or stroke, or have diabetes plus another cardiovascular risk factor, ALTACE can do more than control blood pressure. It can reduce their risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. I want to let people know that you can do more to reduce your heart attack risk."

Every year, more than 775,000 older Americans suffer a heart attack. People who suffer a first heart attack are at a significant risk of suffering a second event. Nearly 85 percent of people who dies from heart attacks every year are older Americans.

"The members of the Phoenix Mended Hearts Chapter are delighted that Jack Nicklaus is lending his support to this important cause," said Chapter President, Bob Switzer. "Mr. Nicklaus' dedication to raising money for the Mended Hearts will enable chapters nationwide, including the Phoenix chapter, in reaching out to thousands of heart-disease patients and their families through our educational and visitor-training programs."

Doing More to Combat Heart Attack

Cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks are common and serious conditions in people age 55 and older. Fifty percent of Americans age 55 and older have cardiovascular disease and the prevalence increases with age. A major study called HOPE demonstrated that ALTACE, when added to existing medications, further reduced the risk for heart attack and stroke among people age 55 or older who are at high risk for these events.

Prescription ALTACE¨ (ramipril) is not for everyone. ALTACE may cause swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which could cause extremely serious risk and require immediate medical care. Common side effects include persistent dry cough, dizziness, and light-headedness due to low blood pressure. ALTACE should not be taken during pregnancy, as death or injury to your unborn child may result or if serious side effects related to previous ACE inhibitors have been experienced.

"Do More For Your Heart" is supported through an educational grant from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Monarch Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the marketers of ALTACE.

The Mended Hearts, Inc. is a national non-profit support organization composed of a special group of people: heart patients, spouses, healthcare professionals, and others interested in helping patients deal with the emotional recovery from heart disease. Mended Hearts has over 280 affiliations in cities across the United States, with 24,000 members, making it the largest heart related support group. Each year members assist cardiac patients through the accredited visitors program, support groups, health information workshops, social/special events, and other volunteer activities. Mended Hearts has been offering hope and encouragement to heart patients, families and caregivers for 50 years. For more information, call Mended Hearts at 888-432-7899 or log onto . For more information on the Phoenix Chapter, call Bob Switzer, Chapter President, at 480-497-4552.

SOURCE: Mended Hearts, Inc.