Prince William Health System is starting to see changes since the announcement of its partnership with Novant Health. With $240 million in resources that Novant pledged to the health system, it has started the process of investing in advanced technologies such as a cardiac catherization lab.

"The Virginia Department of health has approved our request to build a new cardiac catheterization lab at the Hospital, which will bring a whole new set of cardiac services to the community," said Michael Schwartz, President and CEO, Prince William Health System.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of disability and death, Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to check for many cardiovascular conditions, especially blockages in the arteries to the heart that could cause a heart attack.

"The earlier we can diagnose a patient's condition, the earlier we can start them on medications and lifestyle intervention," Cardiologist Ara Maranian, MD, emphasizes. "Early preventive therapy not only saves lives, it can preserve the lives that many in our community enjoy."

The hospital plans to open the new 4,334-square-foot catheterization lab in early 2011. The cost including the equipment, will total $4.7 million.

Cardiovascular disease claims more men and women over the age of 50 than any other health condition. Starting February, you can join Dr. Maranian, and cardiologist Eric Thorn, MD for two free seminars on how to determine your risk and how you can become a proactive partner in disease prevention and management.

On Wednesday, February 25, Dr. Maranian will talk about "Coronary and Peripheral Artery Disease. Who's at Risk?"

On Wednesday, March 3, Dr. Thorn will discuss "You've Been Diagnosed with Heart Disease. What Next?"

Both seminars start at 7 p.m. and are held at Prince William Hospital, Medical Building 1 in the 4th floor conference room.

To register for these free seminars, visit www.pwhs.org/seminars or call (703) 369-8543.

Novant Health is a not-for-profit integrated group of hospitals and physician practices, caring for patients and communities in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. The Novant Medical Group consists of 1,068 physicians in 344 clinic locations. Hospitals include the following: Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital Matthews and Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville in the Charlotte, NC area; Forsyth Medical Center and Medical Park Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC; Thomasville Medical Center, Thomasville, NC; Brunswick Community Hospital, Supply, NC; Rowan Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, NC; Franklin Regional Medicla Center, Louisburg, NC; Upstate Carolina Medical Center, Gaffney, SC; and Prince William Hospital, Manassas, VA. Other Novant facilities and programs include nursing homes and assisted living, outpatient surgery centers, medical plazas, rehabilitation programs, community health outreach programs and the national MedQuest organization with 103 diagnostic imaging centers in 13 states. Novant Health is ranked 12th nationally among the 2009 Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Networks, according to an analysis by the SDI health informatics company.