NBA LEGEND JERRY WEST and JAMES A. REIFFEL, MD

NBA LEGEND JERRY WEST and JAMES A. REIFFEL, MD
AVAILABLE
September 21, 2016

14-TIME NBA ALL-STAR TALKS 2016 SUMMER GAMES, WARRIORS UPCOMING SEASON AND SERIOUS HEART CONDITION

NBA legend Jerry West seems to hold the keys to a long and successful life; both on and off the court. A gold medalist, 14-time NBA All-Star and, is believed to be the inspiration for the NBA’s long-standing logo, West has had a triumphant career.

Now, an executive board member of the Golden State Warriors, “Mr. Clutch” and James A. Reiffel, MD are opening up the about a serious heart condition West shares with millions of Americans, putting him at a greater risk for stroke. Since diagnosis over twenty years ago, Jerry has been working closely with his doctor to learn about the latest generation of treatment options to help prevent a stroke due to AFib, and is now speaking out to encourage others with AFib to do the same.

DID YOU KNOW?
West is currently an executive board member of the Golden State Warriors, who recently won the 2015 NBA Championship and made it to the Finals of the 2016 Championship.
West served as co-captain of the gold-medal winning team in Rome in 1960.
Five players from the Golden State Warriors participated in the 2016summer games.
West played for the LA Lakers from 1960 to 1974, and is believed to be the inspiration for the NBA logo.
West was selected as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1997.
Up to 6 million Americans are diagnosed with AFib, the most common serious heart rhythm abnormality in people over the age of 65.
When a clot forms in the heart due to an irregular heartbeat (AFib), it can travel to your brain causing a stroke.
AFib increases the risk of stroke by four to five times and accounts for 15 to 20 percent of all strokes.

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR JERRY:
As an executive board member of the Golden State Warriors, tell us about the past two NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, from your point of view.
You’ve got quite a team lined up for the upcoming season, how do you think this will change the team’s dynamic?
Switching to health, when where you first diagnosed with the heart condition “AFib”? What has it been like living with it for over 20 years?
Why is stroke prevention so important to you?

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR JAMES A. REIFFEL, MD
Professor of Medicine Emeritus at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
Attending Physician Emeritus at Presbyterian Hospital in New York City Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Section of Electrophysiology

How common is this heart condition AFib?
What are some of the dangers associated with AFib?
How can others with AFib be smart and protect themselves from a stroke?

James A. Reiffel, M.D., is Professor of Medicine [Emeritus] at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. Dr. Reiffel has had an active practice in consultative clinical cardiology and cardiac arrhythmic disorders. He has been involved in developmental/research studies of electrophysiological techniques, antiarrhythmic pharmaceuticals and devices, anticoagulants, and multiple major multicenter trials.