News Release

June 28, 2006

Contact: Carolyn Pennington, 860-679-4864
e-mail: cpennington@uchc.edu

Sudden Cardiac Death: Are You at Risk?

Special Program on July 11 Offers Life-Saving Information

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Mathias Stoenescu, M.D., an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm irregularities at the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, will present life-saving information about sudden cardiac death on Tuesday, July 11, at 6 p.m. in the Health Center’s Medical Arts and Research Building (MARB).  Dr. Stoenescu will review risk factors and explain exciting new advances in treatments to prevent sudden cardiac death, including the use of implantable cardiac defibrillators.

Prior to Dr. Stoenescu’s talk, from 6 to 6:30, tours will be available of an 18-wheeler truck owned and operated by Medtronic, Inc., that will be parked near the MARB. The truck is used as a mobile classroom to educate healthcare providers and the public about new advances in approaches to diagnose and treat heart rhythm problems. The truck will be on the Health Center campus for training in anticipation of the opening of the new Heart Rhythm Program at the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center later this summer.

Sudden cardiac death, also known as cardiac arrest, is responsible for nearly half of all heart disease deaths. It is caused by electrical abnormalities in the heart that lead to an abrupt and lethal stop of heart function. It strikes people of all ages, including seemingly healthy individuals who do not realize they are at risk.

The program is presented by Celebrate Women and Celebrate Aging, free membership programs sponsored by the University of Connecticut Health Center, that provide valuable health and wellness information for targeted audiences in the community.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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