Cardiac arrest does not discriminate against age or gender; it can happen at any time and to anyone. Brisbane resident Neil Stringfellow found this out first-hand after experiencing chest pain while visiting Greenslopes Private Hospital. The 59-year-old required CPR and defibrillation; then was taken straight from the Emergency Centre to the Cardiac Catheter lab under the care of cardiologist Dr Anders Taylor for coronary angioplasty and stenting. Dr Taylor emphasised the importance of early defibrillation and bystander CPR in reaching the best possible outcome for a cardiac arrest patient. “Early coronary angiography and treatment of coronary artery blockages can potentially help recovery,” added Dr Taylor. 6 | GPH News Mr Stringfellow has been taking part in the Healthy Hearts Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Greenslopes Private Hospital, which has a 26 year track record of returning participants to their previous lifestyles through exercise and education. Dr Taylor said the majority of people who have a cardiac arrest have underlying coronary artery disease. “Living a healthy lifestyle from a young age is very important – it’s never too late to start!” “People should see their GP for a health assessment. This is extremely important when we reach middle age; consider this even earlier if you have a family history of cardiac disease at a young age,” said Dr Taylor. Cardiology services Greenslopes Private Hospital offers a comprehensive one-stop-shop service for cardiac care. Our cardiovascular suites undertake more elective and urgent cases than any other private hospital on Brisbane’s southside. Our Emergency Centre has a dedicated acute cardiac emergency area, and is known for its expertise in handling cardiac and stroke cases. From the moment a patient enters our 24/7 Emergency Centre, a team of senior accident and emergency physicians is there to help. Whether that person requires accurate diagnostic services or advanced cardiothoracic surgery, our specialist doctors and nurses have the knowledge and experience to treat their condition. Our range of cardiology specialties include: electrophysiology, echocardiography, angiography, hypertension, cardiac pacing, cardiac imaging, advanced heart failure, heart failure therapy, interventional cardiology, coronary bypass and thoracic surgery. Right time, right place Living a healthy lifestyle from a young age is very important... Left: Neil Stringfellow in the wellness centre for his Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
GPH News Summer 2016
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