By Paul Stefek, MD
At the Cayuga Heart Institute we have the local capability to intervene during an acute heart attack to remove the blood clot, open the artery, and restore blood flow to the heart. However, this is only part of the equation in saving the lives of heart-attack patients. The other critical factor is helping people understand their own responsibilities in seeking medical care as quickly as possible in order to save their heart muscle and their lives.
By Paul Stefek, MD, FACC
In 2015, the PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) program at the Cayuga Heart Institute completed its fourth full year of service. The significance of this service on local cardiac care has been dramatic: the cardiac care team at Cayuga Medical Center has treated more than 170 patients in the throes of an acute heart attack, saving numerous lives and preventing critical damage to their hearts. Many other patients have been diagnosed with significantly narrowed arteries that were successfully opened, resulting in improved quality of life and in many instances preventing heart attacks.
Dr. Paul Stefek from the Cayuga Heart Institute offers simple tips for preventing heart attacks and identifying early warning signs.