Cardiology (see more articles like this)

WHAT: On Thursday, February 2, Mayor Dyer and dozens of other City of Orlando employees will find out important heart information that could save their lives.  That’s when Florida Hospital will administer heart screenings, including the resting Electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a simple test that yields valuable information about the health of the heart, including potential problems with the speed and rhythm of the heart beat, enlargement of heart size, and areas of heart muscle that are either damaged or at risk of damage from coronary heart disease.  Then, Florida Hospital Cardiologist Andrew Taussig will read Mayor Dyer’s results.  Following the heart screening, Mayor Dyer will proclaim February Healthy Heart month and urge Central Floridians to know the risk factors and warning signs of heart attack and stroke.  

WHY: Not only is the screening ECG useful in the early detection of asymptomatic heart disease, but as disease progresses, subtle changes from the baseline ECG can help in making a diagnosis.  For example, when an individual presents at the Emergency Department with chest pain, the initial ECG may be borderline, but subtle changes from a baseline ECG can demonstrate that the patient may be having a heart attack.  

Coronary heart disease is America’s number one killer.  Cardiovascular screenings can help you learn more about your risk factors and how to control them.  In addition, knowing the warning signs of heart attack and stroke and knowing how to respond quickly – by calling 9-1-1 or going straight to the emergency room - when warning signs occur can save your life.

WHEN:   Thursday February 2, 2005
Photo opportunity with Mayor Dyer at 1:00p.m., where he will officially declare Healthy Heart Month in the City of Orlando.
City employees will learn more about heart healthy habits and participate in heart screenings throughout the day. 

WHERE: Orlando City Hall
400 South Orange Avenue
Meet in the 1st floor rotunda
Orlando, FL 32801