We'll start by heading to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center to check out the latest clinical research study involving a device that could help save the lives of people at risk for having a second heart attack. The Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute is one of 56 sites taking part in a nationwide study called AngelMed for Early Recognition and Treatment of STEMI (ALERTS). Researchers are looking for more volunteers for the study. About 785,000 Americans suffer first heart attacks each year. A stunning 470,000 of them, according to the American Heart Association, will have a second heart attack. Doctors say if they can decrease the response time to a heart attack and administer treatment sooner, patients can experience a better outcome.
"While many studies have looked at how to treat diseases such as heart attacks, the ALERTS study is exciting as it is one of the first studies to use a device to look for the early warning signs of a heart attack and direct the patient when to seek medical attention," study investigator Ian Gilchrist, M.D., said. "We are trying to identify the problem before it becomes too late."
Back in the studio, renowned cardiologist Dr. Rajesh Dave, chief medical executive, Holy Spirit Cardiovascular Institute, and director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at The Ortenzio Heart Center at Holy Spirit, will join us. Dr. Dave and Dr. Vincent Park last December successfully performed the United States' first (non-trial, commercial use) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using the Edwards Lifesciences' SAPIEN device at Holy Spirit Hospital. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Edwards SAPIEN Transcatheter Heart Valve Model 9000TFX and accessories for commercial use on November 2, 2011. Dr. Dave will share the latest news on heart care in Central Pennsylvania.
Steve Chevarria is a board member of the American Heart Association and president and CEO of PANSALUS, a team of wellness industry advisors who help organizations improve health and productivity. Steve will present the AHA's "Life's Simple 7" – a plan to improve your heart health. The AHA's "My Life Check" system enables anyone to make simple lifestyle changes that don't cost much money but can have a huge impact on improving wellness. And Sarah Glunz, an in-store nutritionist with Giant Foods, has some great tips on heart-healthy eating for the entire family. Have a question or a comment? Post it here, or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or post to our Facebook page. Better yet ... call in live tonight at 1-800-729-7532.
