Cardiologists Save Lives 24/7 in Communities across Ontario

TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Ontario's cardiologists save lives around the clock and many work over 80 hours a week to keep pace with the need. There is simply no substitute for their expertise and dedication when it comes to providing world-class cardiac care to patients in communities all across the province.

Today, the Ontario Association of Cardiologists is launching a new website to help educate the public about cardiac care issues that matter to them and to inform them of the unique challenges Ontario's cardiologists are facing.

http://www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca/

A Canadian suffers a heart attack every 7 minutes, and a cardiac arrest every 12 minutes.¹ As a result, cardiologists are always on the front line of health care, day in and day out. It's a profession with immense responsibilities and one that the Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) believes needs to be better understood.

While the cardiovascular death rate data in Canada shows a decline of more than 75 per cent since 1952, and nearly 40 per cent in the last decade alone, there is important work to be done within the medical system.¹ Heart disease is the number one killer of Canadians and for many, the first indication is too late.

"Our new website lets Ontario cardiologists engage directly with the public on the critical service that our specialty provides," said Dr. Jim Swan, President of the OAC. "Over time we have come to understand that the voice of the cardiology community in Ontario is not being heard as effectively as it should be. OAC members have worked hard over the last year to develop this website and its communication tools. Our new video (A Day in the Life), launches today on our website and provides a behind the scenes look at a typical day in a hospital's Cardiac Care Unit. We feel it provides an excellent backdrop to the discussions that are needed."

The website includes:

• New videos, including an exclusive inside look at the day in the life of a cardiologist, and how cardiologists save lives.
• Important background information on the values embraced by cardiologists and how the OAC works with the provincial government and the Ontario Medical Association to advocate on behalf of cardiologists and their patients.

About The Ontario Association of Cardiologists

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists is a voluntary professional organization representing Ontario cardiologists. Our Board and members work each day with the provincial government, the Ontario Medical Association and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to advocate for the specialty of Cardiology, to maintain and improve the quality of cardiac care in Ontario.

¹ The Heart and Stroke Foundation Statistics. http://bit.ly/OzsuQb (Accessed Dec 1, 2014)

Image with caption: "Ontario Association of Cardiologists (CNW Group/Ontario Association of Cardiologists)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141211_C7980_PHOTO_EN_9306.jpg

SOURCE: Ontario Association of Cardiologists

Media Relations: Dara Willis, 416-836-9272, [email protected]; Executive Director, Ontario Association of Cardiologists, Tim Holman, 416-706-9187, [email protected]