All proceeds donated to the hospitals from this year's tournament will go toward heart care programs. At Abbott Northwestern Hospital, funds from the tournament will be invested in cardiovascular patient care facilities and programs. At United Hospital, funds will benefit the new John Nasseff Heart Hospital. Every 20 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack. Diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system kill more than 925,000 Americans every year, twice as many as those who die from all forms of cancer, according to the American Heart Association.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Minnesota.
The biggest risk of heart disease is for those between the ages of 45 and 64, according to the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association. The population needing cardiac care is increasing significantly as the baby boomers move into their 40s, 50s and beyond. With more than 25,000 patients a year, it is the area's largest program for the treatment of heart disease. Specialized programs are available for patients needing surgery, cardiac transplantation, angioplasty and treatment of arrhythmia disorders. Cardiovascular care is also provided to patients in their local communities throughout the Upper Midwest with a wide variety of mobile diagnostic services.