Cardiology (see more articles like this)

WHAT: Coronary heart disease is America's number one killer. When it comes to heart attacks, knowing the risk factors and warning signs, and knowing how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur can save your life. That’s why Florida Hospital will urge hundreds of guests at one of this year’s best fund-raising events – Affair of the Heart – to make a commitment toward a healthier heart by taking a pledge to learn the warning signs of heart attack. Then, guests will be asked to make a commitment toward a healthier community, by taking a pledge to support Florida Hospital financially as it expands to support the growing community.

WHY: Over the last 35 years, Florida Hospital has earned a national reputation as a leader in cardiac care. Each year the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute treats more heart patients than any other hospital in the nation, performing nearly 15,000 complex cardiac procedures and more open-heart surgeries than any other hospital in Florida. The Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute is also advancing cardiac medicine through participation in cardiac research studies that give heart patients access to the most advanced therapies before they are readily available to the public. A world-class program like this cannot reach its greatest potential without the philanthropic contributions of the community. Proceeds from An Affair of the Heart will support community outreach initiatives at Florida Hospital’s Cardiovascular Institute.

BACKGROUND: Florida Hospital is in the midst of a major expansion project, which when completed in 2008, will contain 440 patient beds, one of the largest Emergency Departments in the country, and the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute with 16 catherization labs, more than any other hospital in the country. It will also include 200 dedicated cardiac beds, cardiac diagnostics, cardiac rehabilitation, electrocardiography, cardiac research, and the most advanced cardiac technology available.

WHEN: 7:00 pm
           Sunday, February 26, 2006

WHERE: Mall at Millenia
             Grand Court
             4200 Conroy Road
             Orlando, FL 32839