Taking Care of Your Ticker

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in both men and women nationwide. Stroke is the number four cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability for American women. Cardiology Center of Amarillo CEO, Don Thompson, and Dr. David Brabham discussed how they do everything possible in order to stay on the cutting edge of treatment in three specific areas of patient care: procedures, medications and technology. Patients at the center have benefited from safer treatments and successful outcomes as a result. One example of a new approach to procedures involves catheterization through the arm versus the leg. Dr. Brabham stated that this method offers a more direct route, is less painful to the patient and results in a faster recovery. Other examples of advances in this area include percutaneous treatments when appropriate or intravenous access for placement of stints as opposed to the highly dreaded alternative, open heart surgery. Through participation and adoption of these new, less invasive procedures, Dr. Brabham joked that he hopes to put surgeons out of business.

Cardiology Center staff also participates in national and international trials in order to gain funding, training and access to the newest technology and medications prior to release, approval or distribution to the general public. One of the most recent trials involved between 600 and 700 patients who participated in testing a monitoring device, which resembles a pacemaker in size and placement, but not function. According to Dr. Brabham, 1/3 of people who suffer heart attacks do not experience any symptoms and 50% never make it to the hospital. This trial tested the device's ability to accurately monitor the patient and sound an alert in order to provide precious lead time, which would allow the patient to seek immediate medical care.

In spite of all of the successes and advancements in treatment, Dr. Brabham stated that prevention is the cornerstone of heart health! When asked about improving our diets, Dr. Brabham encouraged us to exercise regularly, eat more vegetables and was adamant that we should forego bread and salt. February is National Heart Awareness Month and we appreciate Shara Hinchey, Corporate Marketing Director for the American Heart Association, who invoked her powers of persuasion in order to arrange this important and timely program!

Important dates

·        February 1, 2013: Go Red on Friday for National Wear Red Day to support the fight against heart disease.

·        February 12, 2013: Sponsor the 10^th Anniversary Amarillo Go Red for Women Luncheon & Expo in the Heritage Room of the Amarillo Civic Center.

·        Please contact the American Heart Association directly if you would like to have any additional information about heart health or these upcoming events: www.heart.org/amarillotxgoredluncheon or 888-433-7220x2642.