ADVISORY, Feb. 12, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) --
WHAT: Valentine's Day will take a serious turn when dozens of individuals from the community receive detailed images of their hearts to learn whether or not they are at risk of heart attack. There was overwhelming response to an announcement of free cardiac screenings offered by one of So. Cal's most prominent heart centers, Pacific Coast Cardiology (PCC) in Newport Beach. The most sophisticated form of screening is offered by the 64-Slice Cardiac CAT Scanner -- a 3-minute process that gives the experts at PCC super detailed images of the heart. Armed with these pictures, PCC's team of specialists is trained to detect one's chances of falling victim to cardiac disease -- America's number one killer. In addition, the public will undergo the carotid ultrasound, a 3-5 minute process that detects one's chance of stroke. BKGRD: The most common test for uncovering cardiac problems in use today, the traditional stress test, sometimes gives people a false sense of security because it is unable to detect problems that only an internal picture of the heart can offer. By using the latest technology, the Cardiac CAT Scanner, problems can be readily detected and lives saved. PCC has saved the lives of thousands of patients -- many of whom appear to be in good shape and workout regularly -- who were shocked to learn they had a latent cardiac condition. WHEN: VALENTINE'S DAY Wednesday, February 14 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. WHERE: Pacific Coast Cardiology 3300 West Coast Highway Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 646-4400 WHO: * Farzan Rajput, M.D. -- Cardiologist * Emanuel Shaoulian, M.D. -- Cardiologist FAST FACTS: * February is National Heart Month * PCC recommends that those over age 45, with a family history of heart disease, who smoke, are overweight or have exhibited one of the classic symptoms of heart disease should register for the free screening: * Chest pain and/or pain radiating to shoulders, neck and arms * Shortness of breath * Heavy pressure in the chest lasting several minutes * Irregular heart beat * Indigestion, nausea and/or vomiting * Lightheadedness, dizziness, profuse sweating