Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is inviting members of the public to take a rare look behind the scenes of one of its lifesaving heart units as it celebrates two decades of specialist care in North Wales.

An open day will be held this weekend at the Cardiac Cath Lab at Glan Clwyd Hospital to mark 20 years of the facility treating patients with serious heart conditions. The event, taking place on Saturday, March 14, will give visitors the chance to see the work carried out by the cardiac team while also offering free heart health checks.

The Cath Lab forms part of the North Wales Cardiac Centre and plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating heart disease, including carrying out procedures to open blocked arteries using stents.

Since opening two decades ago, the centre has become a key hub for cardiac care across the region, serving patients from communities across Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd, Anglesey and Flintshire.

During the open day, health professionals will be offering free checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, as well as advice on stopping smoking and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Visitors will also be able to learn more about conditions such as atrial fibrillation, a common irregular heart rhythm that can increase the risk of stroke if left untreated.

Consultant cardiologist Chetan Upadyaya, Cardiology Clinical Lead at the health board, said the milestone offered a chance both to celebrate the work of the department and to encourage people to think about their heart health.

He said: “While it is a wonderful achievement and I am proud to help celebrate 20 years of this department, I want the public to take some serious messages away from this unique opportunity.

“My colleagues and I are dedicated to treating the public when they need us but prevention is always preferable to cure. Heart health is a major issue within society and we would rather people learned how to keep themselves as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

“That is why our experts will be on hand on Saturday not only to offer the opportunity for free checks for things like high cholesterol and high blood pressure but to promote good heart health habits.”

Visitors will also be able to watch demonstrations of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and learn how to use an automated external defibrillator, equipment that can help save lives during a cardiac arrest. The event will also feature tours of the Cath Lab itself, along with displays showing how blocked arteries are treated using modern interventional cardiology techniques.

Dr Upadyaya said the event would provide a unique opportunity for the public to learn more about the work carried out by the specialist team.

“We would love to see as many people as possible,” he said. “We’ll be showing videos of patients speaking about their experiences, giving tours around the Cath Lab and demonstrating CPR and AED use. It is a unique opportunity to share the work we do and our expertise with the people we serve.”

The open day will run from 11am until 2pm and no appointment is required, with residents invited to simply walk in and take advantage of the free heart health checks and advice.