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Local Doctor Improves Heart Health in High-Risk Eastern North Carolina Counties

Posted on: Wednesday, 18 April 2007, 12:00 CDT

A local doctor brings hope to two North Carolina counties that suffer from some of the nation's highest cardiovascular disease death rates. Dr. Lee A. Surkin, board-certified in cardiology and nuclear cardiology, is implementing cutting-edge cardiac imaging technology that can detect early risks and traces of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Surkin is the only cardiologist in Eastern North Carolina to offer this new nuclear imaging camera in his own offices, located in Martin and Pitt counties. More importantly, since the equipment is portable, Dr. Surkin is making the technology available to other medical practices in the region.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHR), North Carolina deaths from cardiovascular disease rank the 13th highest in the country. In 2005, the death rate from heart disease in Martin County was twice as high as the state's rate. Martin County, along with nearby Northampton and Washington counties, have the highest mortality rates in the entire state.

"This type of advanced technology is instrumental in early detection of cardiovascular disease," says Dr. Surkin. "By utilizing this camera's capabilities and mobility, we can substantially improve the heart health in two of the nation's highest risk counties."

In addition to offering this technology in his offices in Williamston and Greenville, Dr. Surkin will make the system available to other regional practices via a mobile van. Local doctors that do not have ready access to this advanced technology will now have the opportunity to offer the new cardiac imaging to their patients in their own offices. Doctors or medical practices interested in testing out the new technology should contact Dr. Surkin directly at (252) 792-0100.

Dr. Surkin's nuclear cardiac imaging uses state-of-the art technology to image blood flow in the heart while it's beating under stress and at rest, providing doctors with the ability to notice abnormalities in the muscle, pump function, or other signs that can lead to heart attack or acute coronary syndrome. By utilizing this technology, doctors can improve chances of survival by making more precise diagnoses, which allows them to modify risk factors before they become problematic. For example, studies utilizing nuclear cardiac imaging in asymptomatic diabetics without known heart disease reveal a 20 -25% incidence of significant underlying heart disease. Because patients can have the testing done at their own doctors' offices, stress on the patient is reduced and overall costs may be reduced.

Dr. Surkin uses a Digirad Cardius 1M XPO in his offices in Greenville and Williamston. The single-head solid-state cardiac imaging system offers performance enhancements ranging from a compact, lightweight design to higher clarity results. Its upright position offers more accurate results by lowering the patient's diaphragm, providing better separation between the heart and intestines. The camera's small footprint makes it fully portable without compromising comfort, accommodating patients up to 400 lbs.

Additionally, Dr. Surkin utilizes echocardiography, or cardiac ultrasound. These methods provide non-invasive images of heart function including assessments of cardiac wall motion and the heart valves. This analysis provides Dr. Surkin with essential information that aids in the evaluation of conditions such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, murmurs and other symptoms that may be related to cardiac disease.

Dr. Surkin has dedicated his career to providing his patients with the newest and most innovative cardiovascular treatments. Following the completion of his medical training, Dr. Surkin began practicing cardiology at an established medical practice in Eastern North Carolina. In 2004, he founded Cardiac Wellness Specialists to provide patients a progressive approach to not only diagnosis and treatment, but also prevention. His educational background includes fellowships in internal medicine and cardiology at Yale University, a medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, and a master's degree in Human Nutrition from Columbia University. Dr. Surkin is board certified in Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology and Internal Medicine.

Source: Business Wire

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