Helping New Yorkers Prevent Heart Attacks: Itamar Medical Joins The Fight With New Campaign

NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the disturbing fact that people are more likely to die of a heart attack in New York City than anywhere else in the U.S., medical device company Itamar Medical (TASE: ITMR), today announced the launch of its first-ever initiative in the U.S. to increase awareness of endothelial (arterial) function testing and the importance of early detection in preventing heart attacks, particularly for symptomatic patients. The New York area was selected as the first city to kick off "Don't Ignore Your EndoScore" The campaign rolls out in New York the week of November 11.

The campaign will focus on providing information and options to help individuals, families and communities to best maximize their heart health, and will include testing with Itamar's EndoPAT test at participating New York-based hospitals and medical practices. To further promote heart health among families, the company also is offering a voucher program that provides for a second free test for a family member or loved one whenever someone takes an EndoPAT test during the month of November

"Testing for endothelial health plays an early and important role in stratifying cardiovascular risk," said Steven Lamm, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine (GIM Division), New York University School of Medicine, Director, Men's Health, NYU Medical Center. "The clinical value of this testing has been confirmed in many peer-reviewed studies, and it has been incorporated into regular use by many leading cardiologists around the world."

The EndoPAT test, an innovative, non-invasive FDA-approved medical device for measuring endothelial (arterial) function, is similar to having your blood pressure tested (both use a standard blood pressure cuff) and is easily performed in a physician's office or hospital setting. It measures endothelial (arterial) health, and provides reliable results in just 15 minutes.

The endothelium is the thin layer of cells that line the blood vessels. When these cells do not function properly, known as endothelial dysfunction, the arteries begin to lose their ability to supply more blood to the heart muscle when needed. Insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle can cause chest pain and other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, and can eventually lead to a heart attack if not properly managed.

"Getting an early diagnosis and taking preventative measures is critical in combating heart disease," said Gilad Glick, CEO, Itamar Medical. "We look forward to launching this campaign to raise awareness of arterial function and help more people gain access to a valuable test that, ultimately, gives them greater control over their heart health."

For more information on the "Don't Ignore Your EndoScore" campaign and to schedule an EndoPAT test at a participating hospital or physician's office, individuals can visit www.prevent-heartattack.com or call 1-855-PATMyHeart.

About Heart Attacks
Each year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack; of these, 525,000 are a first occurrence. Groups that are at particular risk are families with a history of heart disease, those with a previous heart attack or evidence of heart disease, and those who face tremendous workplace stress.

According to one study, if a member of your immediate family – father, mother, brother or sister – has had a heart attack before the age of 55, your risk is increased by 33 percent; if two relatives have had a heart attack, your risk is increased by 50 percent.

What most people don't realize is that a heart attack is largely preventable through early detection. Of the approximate 360,000 sudden cardiac deaths which occurred in the US last year, over half had no symptoms or risk factors.  Individuals who have had a heart attack are four to six times more likely to die of another heart attack despite getting medical treatment. According to the American Heart Association, half of men and more than half of women who experienced a sudden cardiac death did so without any prior warning signs.

About Itamar Medical
Established in 1997, Caesarea, Israel-based Itamar Medical (TASE: ITMR) is a medical device company which develops, markets and sells diagnostic medical devices based on the PAT™ (Peripheral Arterial Tone) signal.  The PAT signal is a non-invasive "window" to the cardiovascular system and the autonomic nervous system.

The company's EndoPAT™ is an innovative diagnostic tool that gives doctors and patients a window to the current functioning of the endothelium and the overall health of the heart.  The non-invasive diagnostic tool is the only medical device indicated for use in endothelial function assessment. WatchPAT is an FDA-approved portable diagnostic device that uses the most innovative technology to ensure the accurate screening, detection, and the follow-up on treatment of sleep apnea.

Itamar Medical ranks 14^th in the Deloitte Fast 50 for 2008, with a five year growth of 1,915%. Deloitte Fast 50 is an annual list of the fastest growing companies in Israel.

For more information, please visit www.itamar-medical.com.

Media Contact:
Craig Heit, GCI Health
(212) 798-9919
[email protected]

SOURCE Itamar Medical