Methodist West Houston Hospital Free Heart Health Screenings and Seminar
More than 100 Katy and West Houston community members visited Methodist West Houston Hospital in November to receive complimentary heart health screenings and learn about the latest treatments available for heart disease. Methodist West Houston’s cardiovascular specialists, Dr. Su Min Chang, Dr. Michael Mitschke, Dr. Nilesh Mathuria and Dr. Javier Lafuente, conducted a panel to discuss common heart problems and answer questions.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, claiming about 600,000 lives every year. Early detection and regular screenings are essential for minimizing risk of disease.
However, it is important that health care providers have the proper equipment and expertise to thoroughly evaluate cardiovascular health. “A person can still have coronary heart disease even if they pass a stress test,” Dr. Chang said.
Methodist West Houston offers noninvasive heart scans that enable patients to fully understand their health risks. A comprehensive scan can be completed in less than an hour.
When treatment is necessary, timing can be the difference between life and death. According to the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, outpatients with a possible heart attack receive an electrocardiogram in about 60 seconds at Methodist West Houston, seven minutes faster than the national average.
The central feature of Methodist West Houston’s multidisciplinary cardiovascular program is its hybrid operating room, a combination catheterization lab and operating room that maximizes efficiency and improves outcomes. “There are only about 150 hybrid ORs in the nation and we’re very lucky to have one here,” Dr. Lafuente said.
This is one of many free events Methodist West Houston organizes to promote the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The next heart health screening and seminar will be held Feb. 21, 2013.
The hospital also offers heart patients and their families support and encouragement in collaboration with Mended Hearts, a patient support organization. The support group meets on the third Thursday of every month from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
For more information about Mended Hearts, contact Methodist West Houston Volunteer Services at 832-522-3062 or visit mendedhearts.org.
Katy and West Houston community members receive free lipid panel tests at Methodist West Houston Hospital to check cholesterol levels. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack, among other health complications.
