ST. PAUL, MN--(Marketwire - Apr 12, 2012) - A new national study is yielding promising results for heart patients. HealthEast paramedics were among St. Paul emergency personnel who helped to advance the understanding of treatments for patients experiencing heart attack-related symptoms. The study found severity of heart attacks can be reduced by providing a precautionary solution of glucose-insulin-potassium to heart patients.
"This was the first time HealthEast Medical Transportation has been invited to participate in a large multicenter trial. I am indebted to our dedicated and professional EMS providers who made the study such a success," said Keith Wesley, MD, Medical Director of HealthEast Medical Transportation. "I am particularly proud of Marshall Washick, our Research Coordinator, whose tireless pursuit of excellence ensured a high level of quality in HEMT's role."
According to a study appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers found that the intravenous medication of patients with GIK within the first hour did not prevent the heart attack from happening. But other promising results showed that the size of the heart attack was smaller and there were fewer cardiac arrests or deaths when the patients received the GIK solution versus the placebo.
Under the local medical direction of Dr. Keith Wesley, HealthEast paramedics screened patients who called 911 with symptoms of a heart attack to enroll in the study. Also involved were Ralph Frascone, MD, Regions Hospital EMS and paramedics from Cottage Grove Public Safety, Oakdale Fire Department, Lakeview Hospital EMS, Mahtomedi Fire, Maplewood Fire and White Bear Lake Fire. Evaluation of patients took place from 2008 through 2011.
The findings of the study were presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting in Chicago on March 27, 2012, and were simultaneously published online in JAMA.
About HealthEast
HealthEast Care System is a community-focused, non-profit health care organization that provides innovative technology, compassionate care and a full spectrum of family health services. HealthEast includes Bethesda Hospital, St. John's Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital and Woodwinds Health Campus as well as outpatient services, clinics, home care and medical transportation services. HealthEast is the largest, locally-owned health care organization in the Twin Cities' East Metro with 7,500 employees and 1,400 physicians on staff.
Contact Information:
For more information:
Lainie Steffen
HealthEast Communications
651-210-0806