Jamaica Hospital Medical Center -- Department of Public Affairs -- 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, New York 11418
For Immediate Release
Name: Michael Hinck
Telephone: 718-206-8973
Email: mhinck@jhmc.org
Coronary Artery Disease: A Non-Invasive Approach to Testing
Oct 10,2008
Contact Information:
<br>Natifia Gaines
<br>(718) 206-6020
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<br>October 10, 2008 (Jamaica, NY)-- Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death among both men and women, can take years to develop and usually goes unnoticed until it causes a heart attack. Previously, to confirm the disease, a person at risk received a cardiac catheterization, an invasive procedure that uses a lot of dye, places a large needle in an individual’s groin, and requires several hours of bed rest and hospitalization. Now, a non-invasive approach is being offered to patients with or suspected of having coronary heart disease.
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<br>At Jamaica Hospital, the Department of Cardiology uses the facility’s 64-Slice CT Scanner to provide detailed images of the structure and anatomy of the heart, as well as the coronary arteries. The scanner performs quicker and more accurate scans. Detailed images are obtained in less than ten seconds. Also, the speed minimizes motion and the thinness of the slices help produce clearer images. The software for the scanner allows for the manipulation of the images and the ability to produce images in 3D.
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<br>“The 64-Slice CT Scanner is a tremendous benefit to our cardiology patients," explained Dr. Robert Mendelson, Director of the Division of Cardiology at Jamaica Hospital. “Heart disease claims 2,400 lives a day and new technologies, such as the 64-Slice CT Scanner, help with better diagnosing patients for various types of heart abnormalities."
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<br>Coronary artery disease occurs when the small blood vessels become too narrow to carry blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart. Over time, fatty deposits build up in the arteries and decrease the blood to the heart. This can eventually cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and/or a heart attack. These symptoms, especially if accompanied with risk factors—high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity— are reasons to consult a cardiologist.
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<br>To schedule an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Cardiology or for additional information about coronary heart disease, contact 718-206-7100.
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<br><b>Jamaica Hospital Medical Center</b> serves a population greater than 1.2 million in Queens and eastern Brooklyn. This 387-bed medical center is an accredited community teaching hospital that has over 40 general and specialty services. The Division of Cardiology offers a wide variety of specialized services, including a full non-invasive laboratory, a cardiac catheterization, and an arrhythmia service. Stress tests, pacemaker evaluations, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and holter monitors are commonly performed tests offered by the division. For additional information, please contact Public Affairs at 718-206-6020.
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