MEDIA ALERT:

Charting a Path for Better Health

HIC’s New Cardiac Electrophysiology Program Provides a better Prognosis for Patient Health

(Kingston, JA) Immediate release January 17, 2008---The Heart Institute of Caribbean has been a source of hope since its inception in 2005. The sprawling state-of-the art comprehensive cardiac center already has a variety of services for patients who have or want to prevent heart disease. Now a new life-saving procedure debuts Friday, January 18, 2007. Kingston will get the first opportunity to experience the benefits of this new program. However, the program is open to all. The Electrophysiology stimulation is a procedure used to identify the underlying issues with the heart’s electrical system. The unique aspect of the EP tracer procedure is that it deliberately stimulates the heart to identify the source of the problem. “We’ve been working diligently to upgrade the Catheterization lab for the new procedure, said Dr. Aldo Furlani,” one of HIC’s premier cardiologist and the only electrophysiologist in the English speaking Caribbean. “This procedure will be complemented with a study. Such programs ensure we are better equipped to chart a path for the health of our people.”  The new diagnostic procedure debuts with the acquisition of the new Radiofrequency Ablator and the Atakr II Ablation generator.  Both machines enhance the HIC’s capabilities in the cardiac care field, while providing patients with yet another excellent treatment option.

Normally, electricity flows throughout the heart in a regular measured pattern.  This flow of electricity leads to muscle contractions.  Problems along the electrical system create arrhythmias.  The EP tracer allows precise diagnosis of the cause in order to identify the best treatment.

Electrocardiograms are important tests used to look at the heart’s electrical system.  However, they only record the electrical system for a brief period of time.  This is not sufficient for testing arrhythmias which are unpredictable and can occur intermittently.  This makes it unlikely that an ECG will capture the underlying electrical pathway problem. 

EP studies are an immediate value to any one who has systems of heart rhythm disorder or is at risk of Sudden Cardiac Death.  The advantages of the tests include:

• Diagnosis of the cause of arrhythmia
• Assess efficacy of  medication in management of the disorder
• Forecasts risks of future episodes of Sudden Cardiac Death
• Investigate the need for an implantable device (a pacemaker or ICD) or treatment procedure (radio frequency catheter ablation.)

To set-up a consultation appointment and assess your heart health contact our concierge staff today at:
 

Background:

The Heart Institute of the Caribbean, Ltd (www.caribbeanheart.com) serves as the regional center of excellence for comprehensive and sophisticated diagnosis and management of all forms of heart diseases. We collaborate with major US medical centers and leading cardiovascular centers in the USA. Through our facilities in Kingston, Mandeville and the Cayman Islands, we provide comprehensive cardiovascular diagnostic evaluation and treatment. Our Physicians and Cardiologists are trained and board certified in the USA, Canada and Britain and have extensive practice and research experience in these countries. Our Centers in the Caribbean offer services and procedures that are comparable to similar centers in the USA and Canada and yet more affordable