Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center recently opened a $4 million cardiac catheterization lab, equipped with new state-of-the-art technology to improve cardiovascular care and access for patients in Queens, Long Island and nearby communities.
The most common procedures performed in the cardiac cath lab include interventional cardiac procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, otherwise known as percutaneous coronary intervention, which opens up blocked arteries during a heart attack or in patients with symptomatic stable coronary artery disease.
The experienced, multidisciplinary cardiac team at LIJ provides procedures on an elective basis for diagnosis and treatment of conditions and also delivers highly coordinated care for patients with life-threatening emergencies such as heart attack 24/7.
“We are excited to see this project come to fruition. Sophisticated advancements in imaging and technology combined with an innovative team approach will allow us to provide at-risk cardiac patients with the best possible diagnosis, treatment and care, so they can live life to the fullest,” said Dr. Michael Gitman, executive director of Long Island Jewish Medical Center.
“With the addition of the new cath lab, LIJ Medical Center is not only investing in leading-edge technology but is making a commitment to our community to ensure they have the high-quality care they deserve close to home,” said Dr. Alexander Lee, director of LIJ’s cardiac catheterization labs and director of quality for cardiology. “The state-of-the-art imaging capabilities in the new lab also significantly reduces radiation exposure for patients and providers, an important safety factor.”
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States, accounting for more than 931,500 lives lost to the disease each year, according to the American Heart Association.
Despite stark statistics, doctors and health care experts note that most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as increasing exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet and managing blood pressure.
For more information about cardiac care at LIJ Medical Center or across Northwell Health’s Cardiovascular Institute, please call: 855-HEART-11. The central contact number serves as a concierge service for patients seeking appointments, general information and resources.
