ATLANTA – (February 24, 2009) – Using results from Dr. H. Robert Superko’s landmark FEMA-funded Firefighter Study into the abnormally-high incidence of sudden death among firefighters, Saint Joseph’s Preventive Cardiology program is offering cardiac screening to all ‘first responders’ including firefighters, policemen, policewomen and EMTs, during the months of February and March.
“February is heart month so it’s especially meaningful to offer these cardiac screenings to this high-risk population,” says H. Robert Superko, MD, medical director of the center for genomics and human health at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. “These first responders put their lives on the line every day for us so it’s nice when we can give back a little. The complement of tests usually costs approximately $400 but we’re offering it for $99.”
Physicians and other Saint Joseph’s staff are volunteering their time to offer the tests at significantly discounted rates during the two month program. The Saint Joseph’s Preventive Cardiology program’s advanced cardiac screening includes blood cholesterol (lipid) profile, genetic heart disease screen, inherited Lp(a) blood test and a CT heart scan.
“First responders, especially firefighters, are at a 300 percent higher risk for cardiac disease and early death,” says Dr. Superko. “If we find participants at risk, we can offer therapies and life style changes to reduce the risk. Early detection is the key.”
Screenings will be held on the Saint Joseph’s Hospital campus in Sandy Springs. For more information or to make an appointment for the first responder cardiac screening, call 678-843-5112.
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