Rating group: MedCentral heart unit among best in nation

BY LOU WHITMIRE • News Journal • November 3, 2010

MANSFIELD -- MedCentral Health System's cardiac catheterization laboratory ranked third in Ohio and is in the top 5 percent in the nation for coronary intervention procedures, according to HealthGrades, an independent rating organization.

MedCentral officials discussed the ratings Tuesday at a news conference."We didn't go about this to achieve awards but to improve healthcare and heart care," said Dr. Gregory Eaton, director of cardiovascular medicine.

Coronary intervention procedures involve the implantation of stents or the use of coronary balloons to widen vessels blocked by plaque. The procedures are less invasive than traditional bypass surgery.
This is the first time the health system's cardiac catheterization lab has earned a five-star rating from HealthGrades or placed in the state or national rankings. As a result it will receive the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award from HealthGrades.

MedCentral also earned awards in coronary intervention excellence, cardiac surgery and cardiac care. The health system received five-star ratings in coronary intervention, coronary bypass surgery, valve replacement surgery and treatment of heart failure.

MedCentral placed fourth in Ohio for cardiac surgery and overall cardiac services and was rated in the top 10 percent nationally in those categories. This is the third year MedCentral's heart surgery program earned a five-star rating by HealthGrades for both coronary bypass and valve replacement surgery. However, it is the first time the hospital has earned a five-star rating for the treatment of heart failure.

"The staff at MedCentral is committed to delivering the highest quality patient care," Eaton said. "We all take our jobs seriously and want the best outcomes possible for our patients." Eaton said MedCentral's procedures are less costly than similar treatments in Cleveland and Columbus.
"The bottom line is those facilities that can provide high-quality care at low cost would be an attractive venue to attract new businesses," Eaton said."It's a hidden jewel."

James E. Meyer, MedCentral president and chief executive officer said patient care is the bottom line.
"People are alive today because of the excellent care they have received at MedCentral," Meyer said.
lwhitmire@nncogannett.com

Local Women Reminded of Heart Health's Importance

By GINGER CHRIST

T-G Staff Writer

Bingo. Red is for women.

Many women wore red blouses, sweaters and blazers Wednesday at Samaritan Regional Health System's Heart of a Woman event, representing their commitment to a healthy heart. The evening involved speakers on heart health, bingo and healthy snacks. February is National Heart Month.

"Red is for women: rights and respect, education and equity, direction and diversity," said Karen Prelipp, vice president of Ohio Business and Professional Women. Red, which represents awareness of heart health, also stands for gender equality. The national BPW advocates for the Go Red for Women campaign.

Women gathered in testimony to their right to education. Michael Amalfitano, president of Mid-Ohio Heart and a noninvasive and critical care cardiologist, said heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, despite the misconception that breast cancer affects most.

"You have to take care of yourself. The life you save may be yours," said Karin Schwan, director of cardiovascular services at Samaritan Regional Health System and a certified diabetes educator.
Since 1984, the number of women with cardiovascular disease has increased while the number of men diagnosed has decreased. Amalfitano said women are more vulnerable because they are less likely to seek medical attention after noticing symptoms, often due to the misconception only men have heart attacks.

To decrease the risk of heart disease, Amalfitano suggested women maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn about their heart risk factors and visit the doctor annually.
"Women and heart health is a year-round thing. You don't have to wait until next February. Do it now," said Mandy Geething, division director of the American Heart Association.
 
Click the link below to view the video
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Article Published October 28, 2007

Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic Physicians Named Top Cardiologists

MANSFIELD  Physicians from Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic, 680 Park Avenue West, have been named to the Consumer¹s Research Council of America¹s Top Cardiologists list.

The honored cardiologists include Michael Amalfitano, D.O., F.AC.C., F.C.C.P.; Andrew Fahmy, M.D., F.A.C.C.; Gregory Eaton, M. D.; James Bacon, M.D., F.A.C.C.; Gregory Heins, D.O.; Frederick Crall Jr., M.D.

The Consumers¹ Research Council of America compiles the guide. The selection process is based on a physician¹s education, years in practice, affiliations with professional associations and board certification. For details, go to www.consumersresearchcncl.org.

The clinic has been granted accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories. Echocardiographic testing, a complex imaging technique, has become one of the standard diagnostic tools in cardiology. The local laboratory is one of the first 1,000 in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico to be recognized.

Article Published January 30, 2007

Local expert wants to reduce heart disease in women

By Angel N. Ross
News Journal

MANSFIELD -- Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women, and The American Heart Association wants you to know it can be prevented. The association started a nationwide observance in February 2004 called Go Red for Women to educate the public.

Brianne Harman, communications director of the American Heart Association of Central Ohio, said the AHA is urging everyone to wear red Friday for their family, friends and neighbors who have suffered from a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or some type of cardiovascular disease.

"Thanks to the participation of millions of people, the color red and the red dress have become linked with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives," Harman said.

According to the AHA there are risk factors you can control. You can "love your heart" by controlling high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes. There are other risk factors to be aware of also, like your age, race and heredity.

Knowing your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and weight numbers is also another way to "love your heart."

"These numbers can help you and your doctor determine your risks and mark the progress you're making toward a healthier heart," Harman said.

Dr. Michael Amalfitano, president of the Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic, said heart disease is the number one cause of death of women in the country."Women are two to three times much more likely to die of heart (failure) than anything else," he said. In the past, only 25 percent of all heart-related research included women, Amalfitano said. "We did not have the research, (but) now we do.""Women with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have a heart attack," he said. Amalfitano also said it's also imperative to spread awareness throughout the community and among the general population.
"Not all health (departments) are totally embracing (the new findings of heart disease and women)," he said.

The Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic supports the Go Red for Women initiative and will offer a heart healthy cooking session in the near future, Amalfitano said

Article published Sep 7, 2005

Four MedCentral doctors honored as tops in the nation

Gregory M. Eaton, M.D.     Steven D. Nelson, M.D.,F.A.C.C.

News Journal staff report

MANSFIELD -- Four MedCentral Health Systems doctors have been honored as among the best in the nation. Cardiologists Gregory Eaton and Steven Nelson, both of Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic, and ophthalmologists John Marquardt and Leonard Quick, both of Ohio Eye Associates, appear on the 2005-06 Best Doctors in America list.

Eaton is the medical director of MedCentral's cardiac catheterization laboratory and president of Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic. Nelson, an electrophysiologist, is the medical director of MedCentral's electrophysiology laboratory.

More than 3,000 procedures were performed in the catheterization lab last year and more than 600 in the electrophysiology lab. Since Nelson's arrival in October, the electrophysiology lab has experienced a 50 percent growth in the number of procedures performed.

Cardiac electrophysiology is the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, specifically heart rhythms. It is a method of measuring the electrical activity of the heart through electrode catheters in the heart.

Construction on an electrophysiology lab at Mansfield Hospital is slated for completion this fall.
"We have many excellent doctors on our medical staff and the Best Doctors' honor validates that and supports our goal of delivering expert health care close to home," said James E. Meyer, MedCentral president and CEO.

The Best Doctors Web site list represents the top 5 percent in over 400 subspecialties of medicine in the U.S. Since 1992, patients and doctors have used the Best Doctors in America list as a guide when choosing a physician.

Physicians anonymously colleagues to the list and only those doctors rated the best by other doctors make the list.

Great news for those with heart disease

The issue:
Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic takes part in another clinical trial of medicated stents.
Our opinion:
Medical technology makes another advance in prolonging human lives.

The fight against heart disease continues to make strides. The encouraging news for area residents is Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic is involved in a second clinical trial of medicated stents. That means more patients with blockages could be helped thanks to drug-coated stents. Stents, small wire-mesh tubes, help keep arteries clear of blockages, critical to those with heart problems.

This is the second foray into the use of stents for the clinic, the first one coming in 2003. It is still too early to tell how effective their use will be for individual patients. The stents will be used for those having a heart attack to see if the tiny, mesh tubes improve patients' conditions.

New studies on stents were presented Sunday at an American College of Cardiology conference in Orlando, Fla. They showed benefits apparently last for years, and that even very big blockages in very small vessels can be fixed with such stents, sometimes using overlapping ones.

The trial stents help reduce scar tissue by medicating blood vessels to keep them from shutting after procedures, Dr. Gregory Eaton, Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic president, said this week. With these stents, there is less likelihood of heart-bypass surgery.

This is great news for Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic as well as those north central Ohio residents who have heart disease. The fight against this deadly killer continues with new advances in technology. Helping people avoid heart bypass surgery would truly be one of those advances.

Originally published March 9, 2005

Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic is helping to heal hearts quicker

By Jennifer Kowalewski
News Journal

MANSFIELD -- Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic is involved in a second clinical trial of medicated stents.
Dr. Gregory Eaton, president of Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic, said the clinic was part of a 2003 trial that used stents to avoid heart-bypass surgery. The stents will be used for those having a heart attack to see if the tiny, mesh tubes improve patients' conditions.

New studies on stents were presented Sunday at an American College of Cardiology conference in Orlando, Fla. They showed benefits apparently last for years, and that even very big blockages in very small vessels can be fixed with such stents, sometimes using overlapping ones.

"When we participate in these trials and we can improve the outcome, the entire community benefits," Eaton said. "Instead of going to Cleveland or Columbus, they can get the same type of care here. We are advancing heart care not only for patients, but for everyone in the community."

Old metal stents and balloons, which were used to treat heart blockages, often left scar tissue, Eaton said. The scar tissue often could cause narrowing of the blood vessels, leading to more blockage.
"The Achilles' heel of these procedures was the renarrowing of the blood vessels," he said. "Frequently, it led to heart-bypass surgery."

The trial stents help reduce scar tissue by medicating blood vessels to keep them from shutting after procedures, Eaton said. With these stents, there is less likelihood of heart-bypass surgery.
More patients at Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic head to the lab instead of the hospital, he said, adding the medicated stents have reduced the number of area bypasses. Also, patients who have medicated stents often need less recovery time, he said.

"Now, the stent is an attractive alternative to heart bypass," he said. There are two types of stents, each with different medicines. The stents are made by Boston Scientific Corp.'s Taxus stent, and Cypher, made by Cordis Corp., a Johnson & Johnson company.

Research continues regarding which is most successful.

What is a stent?
A stent is a wire-mesh tube used to open an artery that's been cleared using angioplasty. The stent is collapsed to a small diameter and put over a balloon catheter. It is moved into the area of the blockage. When the balloon is inflated, the stent expands and forms a scaffold. This holds the artery open. The stent stays in the artery permanently, improves blood flow to the heart muscle and relieves symptoms (usually chest pain).

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Originally published March 8, 2005

Events lead heart clinic to speed up donations

Schools receive life saving devices

By Lou Whitmire
News Journal

MANSFIELD -- A physicians group wants life-saving devices at every school in Richland County.
On Monday, the cardiologists at Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic said 10 automatic external defibrillators were being donated to four local high schools and a theater.

"The recent episodes involving youth athletes push- ed our plans to the forefront. We want AEDs to be accessible whenever they are needed," said Dr. Gregory Eaton. Eaton is a cardiologist, president of Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic and medical director of MedCentral's heart catheterization laboratory.
The device saved Troy Wolf, a 12-year-old Lexington boy who collapsed during a Dec. 18 basketball game at Shelby's Central Elementary School.

No defibrillator was available when Wolf collapsed until Brian Finnegan and Steve Loveless, firefighters and emergency medical technicians from the Shelby Fire Department, arrived.
The February death of 17-year-old Ashley Yetzer, a senior at Shelby High School, also pushed the plans of the cardiologists ahead to make AEDs more accessible.

Yetzer, a member of the track team at Shelby, was at indoor practice when she collapsed. She was revived with the help of an AED used by a nearby athletic trainer at the school, but died later at Akron Children's Hospital.

On Monday, Dr. Gregory Vigesaa, a Mansfield cardiologist who helped save Wolf, demonstrated a unit during a news conference at MedCentral/Mansfield Hospital. Med-Central has agreed to provide free AED training. The first nine devices will be distributed to schools in the Mansfield area, with Mansfield Senior High School receiving four, including one for Arlin Field. St. Peter's Schools and Madison Comprehensive High School each will receive two AEDs and Clear Fork High School one.

About AEDs
·  An automatic external defibrillator is a portable device, about the size of a lunch box.
·  The unit analyzes the heart's rhythm and allows a rescuer to deliver an electric shock to a victim of cardiac arrest.
·  That shock, called defibrillation, may help the heart re-establish a beat. AEDs are simple enough that, with some training, almost anyone can easily use them. A unit costs about $1,900.
·  Some AEDs provide voice and visual prompts. The unit monitors a person's heart rate, but will not administer a shock if one is not needed.
·  Use of an AED to save someone's life is covered under Ohio's Good Samaritan law, which means the user of an AED is protected from litigation.
·  According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, cardiac arrest kills about 440,000 people a year, including about 7,000 children.

Source: MedCentral Health Systems

How to help
Anyone seeking information or to apply for an automatic external defibrillator donation can call James Cox, chief executive officer at Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic, at (419) 524-8151.

Mansfield News Journal
Originally published Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Shoveling heavy snow can be hard exercise

By: Jennifer Kowalewski
News Journal

MANSFIELD -- Dr. Andrew Fahmy hopes the elderly and those with heart problems will find someone to shovel their sidewalks and driveways. The season's first major winter storm will bring strained muscles or, worse, heart problems that often accompany shoveling.

"This is a strenuous exercise," said Fahmy, a cardiologist at Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic. "It tends to be the only exercise one gets all year."

After the season's early snowfalls Fahmy and his colleagues see a spike in the number of patients with heart problems. Patients may suffer an irregular heart rhythm, or even a heart attack from shoveling snow. Arteries shrink in cold weather, causing the heart to pump more to get blood throughout the body, he said. That, on top of shoveling, can put the heart under a tremendous amount of strain.

Shoveling is isometric exercise, similar to weight lifting, Fahmy said, which strains the heart more than aerobic exercise."If you have to do it, take frequent breaks," he said. He suggests that shovelers cover their noses and mouths to warm the air they breathe. Anyone who experiences any type of chest discomfort or shortness of breath should stop shoveling immediately and seek medical care, he said. Classic signs of heart problems include burning or pressure in the chest.

Those without heart problems also need to be careful, Fahmy said. Strained muscles, including back problems, can result from shoveling. Fahmy suggests everyone bend from the knees, not the waist.

Careful when shoveling
Before shoveling, warm up and stretch. Warm, relaxed muscles are less likely to suffer strains.
Choose the right shovel. A shovel's handle length is right when you can slightly bend your knees, and hold the shovel comfortably. A plastic shovel blade is lighter than a metal one. Ergonomic shovels with a bent shaft are better than straight shafts.

Keep hands at least 12 inches apart. This increases leverage and reduces strain. When lifting snow, squat with your legs apart, and keep your back straight. Make sure to lift with your legs. Spraying a lubricant on the shovel will help prevent snow from clinging to it. If there's heavy snow, tackle it in two stages. First, skim off the top layer and then remove the bottom layer. Take plenty of breaks while you shovel. Every so often, stand up straight and walk around to extend the lower back.

Source: www.medcentral.org
Originally published Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Mansfield doctor encouraged by study of black patients

By David Benson, dbenson@nncogannett.com
News Journal

Heart study Q&A
MANSFIELD -- Dr. James Bacon has been a cardiologist with Mid Ohio Heart Clinic for four years. He addressed several questions regarding this study.

Question: Is it unusual for a stud y to find such a dramatically beneficial use for medications more than 20 years old?
Answer: The combination of the two was effective many years ago, but it needed multiple doses of each during the course of the day. This new (medication) comes in a single (daily) dosage. It's not like (the combo) didn't work before, it did. But now it is simpler to deliver, and that makes it more effective.

Question: Is this combination of particular benefit to black patients?
Answer: Clearly, this study was designed for that population. But like many other studies that involve just one race or sex, there really shouldn't be much of a difference in benefits for other groups.

Question: Should black patients with congestive heart failure call their doctors tomorrow asking for it?
Answer: There are many effective drugs and treatments out there. You should always be cautious with single studies like this one. You have to be careful and continue to do more studies. So, no, they shouldn't rush to the phone.

Question: Will Mid Ohio Heart Clinic be involved with further studies of this combo?
Answer: We are involved in a number of research protocols. I don't know if (the drug company) plans to do further studies at this time. If so, we might be. But they might decide to just take it to the FDA for approval right now.

Question: If they do take it immediately, when could approval come?
Answer: It typically takes six months to a year. But (the FDA) might also send it back for more study.

Originally published Wednesday, November 10, 2004

February 19, 2004

Heart care gets boost for local patients

Jennifer Kowalewski News Journal

GALION -- Local cardiac patients have care available close to home now that Galion Community Hospital has partnered with MedCentral Health Systems to become a Critical Access Hospital. "Heart disease is the No. 1 problem to men and women in our community,"

Dr. Gregory Eaton, president of Mid-Ohio Heart Care, said. "We believe high quality service is done best in the community." At a news conference Wednesday, hospital personnel from both staffs and doctors from Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic announced the venture. Mid-Ohio will staff Galion Community Hospital three days a week to provide cardiac care. The partnership will allow Galion to get the designation as a Critical Access Hospital. "I think it's great we're able to bring these to the area," MedCentral CEO Jim Meyer said. "It's a win-win situation. "(Critical Access Hospitals) are a way for the federal government to preserve community hospitals." Critical Access Hospitals are specially designated by the federal government to receive more Medicare reimbursements, Meyer said.

There are certain criteria the hospital must follow to become Critical Access. MedCentral spokeswoman Cindy Jakubick said Galion had to partner with MedCentral to be given that status. It ensures when patients need more care, they can transfer to MedCentral from Galion, she said. And it helps to keep people local, rather than having to travel to Cleveland or Columbus for treatment. Mid-Ohio staffing will allow heart patients, with a referral from their doctors, to see specialists in Galion, Eaton said. Eaton also is medical director of MedCentral's cardiac catheterization laboratories. He and two other Mid-Ohio members, Dr. James Bacon and Dr. Greg Vigesaa, will be on hand Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to see patients from 9 a.m. to noon. "Working with Mid-Ohio Heart cardiologists and MedCentral/Mansfield Hospital makes the most sense for us and our patients," Michael Senter, vice president of clinical services at Galion, said. "If we can provide heart care right here in our community, it means more convenience and less stress to our patients."

February 17, 2004

Three MedCentral physicians make list of America's Best Doctors

Jennifer Kowalewski News Journal

MANSFIELD -- Dr. Gregory Eaton is one of three physicians at MedCentral Health Systems to have his name appear on a list of America's Best Doctors. "It's an honor to be recognized by your peers for providing high quality patient care," Eaton, president of Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic, said. "Any time you're recognized by your peers, it's an honor."

Eaton is one of three physicians from the area to be named on a national survey that lists the most prestigious doctors in the country. Dr. David Brown, a cardiovascular surgeon, and Dr. John Marquardt, a ophthalmologist, also appear on the 2003-2004 Best Doctors in America list. Brown is the medical director of MedCentral's Cardiac Surgery Services and Eaton is the medical director of MedCentral's Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories.

The Best Doctors Web site lists 31,000 physicians in the United States, which represents the top 5 percent in more than 400 subspecialties of medicine. Since 1992, patients and doctors have used the Best Doctors in America list as a guide when choosing a physician. Hospital spokeswoman Cindy Jakubick said questionnaires are sent asking doctors who they would see if they had a medical problem. Then, Best Doctors analyzes millions of evaluations and reviews as many as 100 pertaining to a single doctor. Only those rated best by other doctors make the list.

Eaton said he has filled out the questionnaire before for his peers. He was notified by mail in late 2003 that he had been nominated, and was added to the list. "It really is a privilege for doctors to be on the list," Jakubick said.

This is not the first time Eaton has received accolades. In 2003, his research into the "liquid Drano trial" was named one of the top 10 scientific research projects in the county by the American Medical Association. In the research, spearheaded by Eaton, doctors showed they can reverse heart blockage in blood vessels.

Eaton works at Mid-Ohio with his wife, Mary Alton. James Baker, MedCentral vice president of strategic planning and marketing, said having physicians on the Best Doctors' list demonstrates the health system's dedication to delivering expert health care close to home. "It's a privilege to have our doctors rated among the best in their field on the list and that their peers think so highly of them," he said.