Henry Ford News Feed - Cardiology

Vascular Services Offered in Sterling Heights

Jan. 21, 2010

MEDIA CONTACT:
Liz Trudeau
etrudea1@hfhs.org
(313) 874-6283

Henry Ford Medical Center - Sterling Heights Provides Vascular Services

DETROIT - The Henry Ford Medical Center - Sterling Heights is now offering vascular lab studies, increasing the range of services available to patients in Oakland and Macomb counties.

The vascular lab offers ultrasound procedures to evaluate the condition of arteries and veins in the arms, legs and neck. The Sterling Heights Center is also staffed with a team to treat patients who are identified with blood clots and arterial blockages.

Noninvasive ultrasound testing allows patients to be evaluated using techniques with minimal discomfort. These studies allow diagnosis of most circulatory disorders, helping to determine the severity of a problem and assisting the physician with treatment options.

Vascular lab services are only provided on a referral basis.

The Henry Ford Medical Center-Sterling Heights is located at 3500 15 Mile Road, west of Ryan Road.

Patient Puts Heart Into Living With Pulmonary Hypertension

June 10, 2009
David Olejarz
313.874.4094
Dolejar1@hfhs.org

Henry Ford Patient Puts Heart Into Living With Pulmonary Hypertension

DETROIT - Mary Mercatante and her husband were vacationing in Hawaii in January 2006 when she was suddenly struck by shortness of breath and heart palpitations while walking to breakfast. The symptoms dissipated within a couple minutes only to develop two days later.

Initially, Mercatante thought it was anxiety brought on by the death of her mother several days earlier. But after a battery of tests at Henry Ford Hospital, the otherwise healthy and active Dearborn woman was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, an incurable chronic lung disease.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs when there is increased pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs, causing the heart to work harder and its right ventricle to become strained and weak.

It is not known how many people suffer from pulmonary hypertension, which can be tricky to diagnose because symptoms can mirror those of other chronic conditions. As a result, thousands of people may be living with the disease without knowing it or are misdiagnosed with illnesses such as asthma or bronchitis.

The 49-year-old Mercatante wears a catheter that pumps medicine round-the-clock into her heart to ease the pressure in the lung's arteries and make her breath easier. It has improved her quality of life "tremendously," she says.

"But you know what, this isn't the worst thing," she says, revealing her strong faith and positive upbeat attitude. "So many people have this worse than me. Babies can get this, children can get this and adults can get this. I don't give up; I take it one day at a time."

Henry Ford, one of only three hospitals in Michigan with a specialty pulmonary hypertension program, is a leading referral center in metro Detroit. Hector Cajigas, M.D., director of Henry Ford's program, says the earlier pulmonary hypertension is treated, the easier it is to control.

"Like many chronic diseases, diagnosis in a timely manner is key to treating pulmonary hypertension," says Dr. Cajigas. "Effective treatments are available to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease."

Dr. Cajigas says treatment options include medication and surgery such as lung transplantation. Pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed in large part by right-heart catheterization, a test that measures the pressure inside the pulmonary arteries.

"A successful treatment plan will encompass medical specialists in cardiology, interventional radiology, hepatology, rheumatology and pulmonology working together with the patient to manage their diagnosis and care," he says.

Mercatante says her treatment has enabled her to return to work as marketing director for Gale Cengage Learning, an e-research and educational publishing company based in Farmington Hills, and resume a limited exercise routine of yoga and light weight training.

"I'm taking a very active role in my care," says Mercatante, a former power-lifter who once could squat 200 pounds and now can only lift three-pound weights. "You can sit in the chair and die from this if you choose to. But my philosophy in life is to be happy each day, don't dwell on what you can't do and focus on what you can do."

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Hector Cajigas and Mary Mercatante are available for interviews.

On Saturday, June 13, Mercatante and a team of pulmonary hypertension experts from Henry Ford Hospital will be among the featured speakers at a Pulmonary Hypertension Patient Education Forum from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Dearborn Inn, 20301 Oakwood Blvd. An estimated 200 pulmonary hypertension patients and their families from Michigan and the Midwest have registered to attend.

Free Online Screening Tool Measures Heart Disease Risk

May 27, 2009

CONTACT: David Olejarz
dolejar1@hfhs.org

Free Online Screening Tool Measures Heart Disease Risk

DETROIT - A free online screening tool created by Henry Ford Hospital enables consumers to measure their risk for heart disease with a simple click of a computer mouse.

The screening tool, called Know Your Numbers, takes consumers through a 10-minute interactive personal health test and then provides a four-page assessment of their results, including the risk factors they can manage to help lower their lifetime risk of having a heart attack.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, and more than a 1 million Americans suffer a heart attack annually.

"This interactive screening tool is not a replacement for visiting your health care provider," says Diane Klingler, a nurse practitioner at Henry Ford's Heart & Vascular Institute who helped develop Know Your Numbers.

"What it does is help educate users on their risk for heart disease, offers ways to control their risk factors and provides information about certain wellness programs available at Henry Ford for those who want to develop a personal action plan for improvement. By decreasing your risk factors you can improve your overall health and possibly reduce your health care costs now and later in life."

After logging onto the site, www.henryford.com/knowyournumbers, consumers will be greeted by a Henry Ford physician who will guide them through the site, explaining their risk factors and results along the way. While it would be helpful for consumers to know their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, they're not required to complete the screening as the computer will use average readings. Once completed, consumers can download their results and learn about how to make lifestyle changes to reduce their heart attack risk. The results also should be shared with their physician as part of their care management plan.

Consumers also can access information about Henry Ford's weight management program, HeartSmart® cookbook and recipes, quit-smoking initiative and preventive exercise program, as well as make an appointment with a Henry Ford physician close to home or work.

Henry Ford Hospital Among Top 100 Heart Hospitals

Dec. 17, 2008
CONTACT: David Olejarz
Dolejar1@hfhs.org

Henry Ford Hospital Among Top 100 Heart Hospitals

DETROIT - Henry Ford Hospital was named among the top 100 U.S. hospitals for cardiovascular care by Thomas Reuters.

Henry Ford demonstrated higher performance on evidence-based core measures published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for heart disease outcomes, process of care, efficiency and lower costs.

The leading hospitals were chosen from among nearly 1,000 U.S. hospitals who treated patients diagnosed with heart failure and heart attacks for those who received bypass surgery and angioplasty.

Henry Ford is a leader and innovator in cardiovascular care, research and education. Its heart failure and heart transplant programs are among the nation's finest, and its electrophysiology, interventional, rehab and preventive services feature some of the most advanced medical technology available today

Thomas Reuters produces benchmarks and analysis that enable organizations to manage costs, improve performance and enhance the quality of health care.

For more information about Henry Ford's cardiovascular services, visit www.henryford.com

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Hospitals:Reduce Unnecessary Tests for Cardiac Imaging

Sept. 12, 2008 CONTACT: David Olejarz (313) 876-2882 DETROIT – Hospitals that perform cardiac nuclear stress testing under published national practice guidelines could reduce unnecessary testing and, potentially costs, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study. The study looked at 375 patients who underwent nuclear stress testing at Henry Ford and showed that in the majority of cases, 90 percent, physicians ordered the diagnostic imaging test appropriately using the updated 2007 Appropriateness Criteria of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ACNC) and American College of Cardiology. However, researchers also found that 21 patients should not have received the test because their patient profile and assessment didn’t meet the test criteria under the guidelines. While these patients were considered low risk for nuclear testing, none required additional testing such as a cardiac catheterization and 95 percent of the scans in the group turned up normal. Karthik Ananth, M.D., a Henry Ford cardiologist and the study’s senior author, and cardiology fellow Natesh Lingam, M.D., will present the findings Friday, Sept. 12 at the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Conference in Boston. While the Henry Ford study did not look at cost, researchers theorize there is potential for savings based on their findings. Further study will be required to determine the cost analysis, researchers say. “We believe there is potential for substantial savings provided hospitals closely adhere to these test-appropriateness criteria for cardiac nuclear testing,” says Dr. Ananth. “When followed, these criteria help physicians ensure the most effective use of cardiac nuclear testing and provide them simple clinical tools to filter out low-risk patients in whom unnecessary testing can be avoided.” These criteria were developed by an expert panel of physicians in response to a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission report showing that cardiac imaging services rose twice the rate of growth of other physician services from 1999-2003. Based originally on existing medical evidence and the most common clinical reasons for ordering stress testing, the criteria were published in 2005 and updated two years later to guide physicians to use nuclear testing more responsibly and cost effectively. A cardiac nuclear test is a non-invasive procedure that measures arterial blood flow to the heart during physical or chemical stress. When compared to blood flow during rest, the test reflects imbalances of blood flow to the heart’s left ventricular muscle tissue – the part of the heart that performs the greatest amount of work pumping blood. Henry Ford performs about 4,000 cardiac nuclear tests annually, among the lowest in Michigan. Roughly 8 million nuclear tests are performed nationally, nearly double from 10 years ago. Patients are exposed to a small amount of radiation during the four-hour test, which costs about $4,000. Most insurance plans pay for the test. In the study, Henry Ford researchers evaluated the practice patterns of their own cardiologists and non-cardiologists who ordered a cardiac nuclear test for patients between January-March 2007. The goal was to determine whether physicians adhered to the 52 criteria outlining when a test is appropriate or inappropriate. The criteria aid physicians in identifying whether a patient should receive the nuclear test based on their medical profile. Of the 52, 27 indicators are listed for appropriate testing, 13 indicators for inappropriate testing and 12 indicators for uncertain, meaning testing may be acceptable but that additional research is needed to determine these criteria are appropriate or inappropriate.

Henry Ford Hospital Heart Physician Installed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2008

CONTACT: Zoila Brown (Print)

David Olejarz (Radio/TV)

Maria Seyrig (Print)

(313) 876-2882

DETROIT – The incoming president of the prestigious American College of Cardiology says the current state of health care costs are unsustainable, despite medicine’s technological innovations and treatment advancements.

“We have been working harder, seeing more patients, providing newer and more testing and treatment options. This just simply cannot continue. We now have to focus on value,” says W. Douglas Weaver, M.D., F.A.C.C., division head of Cardiovascular Medicine at Henry Ford Hospital, who was installed as president of the American College of Cardiology on March 31. The presidency is a one-year term.

In the coming year, Dr. Weaver expects to continue the ACC’s push for national health care reform. By 2010, health care is projected to cost $2.7 trillion – a 30 percent increase since 2004, he says.

“The increased cost of health care will soon result in health care becoming unaffordable for the lower middle class. It could reduce the standard of living for retirees and reduce state spending for education in order for states to keep up with the rising costs of state health and pension benefits,” Dr. Weaver says.

Dr. Weaver says improving patient quality and safety and increasing the value of medical care is crucial to reforming health care in the United States, which spends an estimated $500 billion more annually than other industrialized countries.

“To lower costs and provide more value, we must make health care more convenient, rely on much more self care and use only effective technology. Ironically, putting patients first is the only effective way to increase our respect and practice viability,” Dr. Weaver says.

Dr. Weaver is the first Henry Ford physician to lead the American College of Cardiology, and the second Henry Ford physician in the past year elected president of a national physician organization. Ronald M. Davis, M.D., director of Henry Ford’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, currently serves as president of the American Medical Center for the past year.

The American College of Cardiology, a 34,000-member nonprofit medical society, is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. It also provides professional education and operates national registries for the measuring and improving quality patient care.

Dr. Weaver received his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and residency training at the University of Washington. He has been at Henry Ford for the past 10 years, and he has clinical interests in cardiac resuscitation, heart failure and acute coronary syndromes. He has also published more than 250 articles.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Weaver, a resident of Birmingham, is available for interviews.

Sustaining Excellence in Cardiac Care is a Challenge

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE

3 p.m. EST Sunday, March 30, 2008

CONTACT: David Olejarz 313.303.0606

DETROIT – Hospitals excel at providing exceptional cardiac care for a year or two but rarely do they sustain that edge over a consistent time frame, according to a Henry Ford Hospital researcher.

Researchers found that just three of 710 hospitals nationally achieved exceptional outcomes in lives saved and mortality rates in the areas of acute myocardial infarction, angioplasty and bypass surgery from 2003-2005. Another 43 hospitals achieved exceptional outcomes for two of the three years but a similar number of hospitals wholly underachieved in two of the three years, researchers found. The hospitals were not identified in the research.

For example, the averaged lives saved in angioplasty for the top 46 performing hospitals ranged from +3.7 to +3.2 compared to -0.16 to -0.25 for the other hospitals. For bypass surgery, the mortality rate ranged from 2.11 percent to 1.74 percent for the top performing hospitals compared to 3.73 percent to 3.38 percent for the other hospitals.

The findings will be presented Sunday at the 57th annual American College of Cardiology conference in Chicago.

“It’s one thing to do something well for one year but we found it’s quite another for hospitals to maintain that level of consistency for an extended period of time,” says Aaron Kugelmass, M.D., director of cardiac catherization at Henry Ford Hospital and lead author of the research. “While we didn’t look at ways to maintain a level of excellence, our findings reflect a need to examine the existing processes and protocols, quality measures and other resources that are in place at some of our top heart hospitals to share with other hospitals in hope they can enhance their clinical excellence more consistently.”

Researchers embarked on their novel study knowing that little, if any, data existed that measured hospitals’ performance excellence in acute myocardial infarction, angioplasty and bypass surgery over consecutive years. Dr. Kugelmass and colleagues at Cardiac Data Solutions examined data from U.S. hospitals that treated at least 52 Medicare patients annually in acute myocardial infarction, angioplasty and bypass surgery from 2003-2005.

Among the highlights for the 46 top performing hospitals:

• The average mortality rate per hospital declined significantly over the three years for acute myocardial infarction and bypass surgery.

• The average number of lives saved per hospital increased the first two years but fell the third year for acute myocardial infarction and bypass surgery. The other 664 hospitals saved much fewer lives and higher mortality rates in all three cardiac areas over the three years than the top performing hospitals.

About Henry Ford Hospital: Henry Ford is a 903-bed tertiary care hospital, education and research complex in Detroit. The hospital is recognized for clinical excellence in the fields of cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics and sports medicine, organ transplantation, pulmonary medicine, and treatment for prostate, breast and lung cancer. Henry Ford Hospital also is a Level 1 trauma center.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Kugelmass is available for interviews at the ACC conference.

Heart Attack Incidence, Admission Rates Down

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE

5 p.m. EST Saturday, March 29, 2008

CONTACT: David Olejarz, (313) 303.0606

DETROIT – The incidence and hospital admissions for a heart attack in the Medicare population have dramatically declined since 2000, while the survival rate for patients hospitalized after a heart attack has steadily increased during the same period, according to a Henry Ford Hospital researcher.

Researchers also found that the decline in admissions resulted in significant cost savings for four consecutive years. In 2006, for example, Medicare saved $1.2 billion because of fewer admissions.

The findings will be presented Saturday at the 57th annual American College of Cardiology conference in Chicago.

“While we didn’t examine the factors for drops in heart attack incidence and admissions, we can theorize that things like healthier nutrition, heart attack-removed lipid lowering drugs, lower smoking rates and physical activity, combined with advancements in technology and treatment, may explain these positive results,” says Aaron Kugelmass, M.D., director of cardiac catherization at Henry Ford and lead author of the study conducted by Cardiac Data Solutions.

Researchers examined data of any U.S. hospital participating in the Medicare program to identify any trends in the incidence, outcomes and costs for a ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, or STEMI heart attack, from 2000-2006. This heart attack is caused by a prolonged period of blocked supply and causes on the ECG and in blood levels of key chemical markers.

Key findings are:

• Admissions dropped to 105,915 in 2006 from 170,154.in 2000.

• Incidence dropped to 2.5 percent in 2006 from 4.3 percent in 2000.

• Survival rates increased to 88.5 percent in 2006 from 85.8 percent in 2000.

• Medicare cost savings rose to $1.2 billion in 2006 from $136 million in 2001.

“These decreases in incidence and admissions have more than offset any increased per patient spending,” Dr. Kugelmass says.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Kugelmass is available for interviews at the ACC conference.

Menopause and Your Heart

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 5, 2008

CONTACT: Jennifer Marra
(313) 876-2882
DEARBORN – An informative and lighthearted discussion about the physical, mental, and emotional issues of menopause will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20 at the Henry Ford Medical Center-Fairlane, 19401 Hubbard Drive in Dearborn.

Deborah McBain, a Henry Ford certified nurse-midwife, will lead the discussion about menopause and maintaining a healthy heart.

The event is free and open to the public. The meeting will be held in Conference Room B at the medical center and a light dinner will be served.

For more information about this event and to R.S.V.P., call 1-800-HENRY FORD. Space is limited.

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Henry Ford Offers Heart Screenings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 4, 2008

CONTACT: David Olejarz
(313) 874-4094

NOVI – This year about 1.1 million Americans will suffer a heart attack, and almost half will die from them.

To evaluate one’s risk for heart disease, the Henry Ford Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute is offering to the public a comprehensive heart screening at its Novi location.

Screenings are available by appointment only from 8 a.m. – noon Saturday, March 8 at the Henry Ford Medical Center-Novi, 40000 W. Eight Mile Road at Haggerty. The cost is $20 per person.

Services offered include heart risk assessment, blood pressure, nutrition and fitness group consultations, as well as testing for cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Individual consultations with a cardiac nurse practitioner also will be available.

For a screening appointment, call 1-800-HenryFord.

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