You all know how I feel about the value of education in the treatment and prevention of heart disease: It is self-evident and unquestionable.

Along the lines of educating patients and docs, and in the spirit of February being Heart Health Awareness month, I believe The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) deserves strong mention for their efforts in education.

Take this highly instructional video on AF. (It’s ridiculous that it has only had 314 views.)

And this recent HRS press release:

New Research Shows Majority of Americans in the Dark About Severity of Heart Rhythm Disorders.

Some highlights…

• More than 250,000 deaths occur each year as a result of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), more than breast cancer, lung cancer or AIDs.
• More than 2 million people in the United States (U.S.) live with AF. Yet, survey results showed only 50 percent of Americans know AF is a type of heart rhythm disorder.

The document also provides solid advice to patients:

• Small Choices, Big Heart Benefits: Live a healthy lifestyle â€” exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking to help reduce the chances of heart health problems.
• Know Your Rhythm: Pay attention to abnormal heart rhythms — palpitations, fast heart rates, really slow heart rates, fluttering in your chest and shortness of breath can also be signs of rhythm disorders.
• By The Numbers: Treat and monitor health conditions that can contribute to heart problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
• Family First: Know your family medical history and understand the associated risk for other cardiovascular related conditions, like heart failure.

Not surprisingly, HRS highlights the important role that electrophysiologists play in treating heart rhythm problems. I’m biased here. Yes, I believe it’s good for patients and doctors to know that EP has evolved into a sub-specialty of cardiology. We have special skills that might add to the care of patients, though not all of our talents involve catheters and generators; often the best thing we serve up is good information.

Very nice work HRS!

To educate and inform…

is heart-healthy.

JMM