THE opening of two new laboratories in the Acute Admission Unit of Watford General Hospital has resulted in it being designated as the Heart Attack Centre for West Herts. The two cardiac catheterisation labs offer a treatment for heart attack patients cal

THE opening of two new laboratories in the Acute Admission Unit of Watford General Hospital has resulted in it being designated as the Heart Attack Centre for West Herts.

The two cardiac catheterisation labs offer a treatment for heart attack patients called primary angioplasty which can significantly enhance the chances of survival following a heart attack.

It works by opening a blocked artery which then restores blood flow to the heart muscle.

Dr Mike van der Watt, lead cardiologist for the West Herts Hospitals Trust, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as a designated Heart Attack Centre for West Herts.

"Primary angioplasty is a modern, very effective, treatment for heart attacks which we have been using in our trust for some time. When someone has a heart attack it means that an artery supplying blood to the heart has become blocked.

"The more quickly blood flow can be restored means the more heart muscle we can save and the less chance there is of the patient dying."

Primary angioplasty is available during the day time on weekdays at Watford General. Outside of those hours, patients will receive the treatment at Harefield Hospital.