For Release: 2007-10-01 00:00:00
The heart is the engine of human life. Beating almost 100,000 times a day -- more than 36 million times each year -- it endures abuse and trauma with extraordinary resilience. Yet, as more nations become prosperous and lifestyles change, heart disease has become the world's number one killer of men and women alike.The Mysterious Human Heart, airing Mondays, Oct. 15 and 22 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET1 and Wednesdays, Oct. 17 and 24 9/8 p.m. CT on KET2, takes an in-depth look at the heart: how it works, what can go wrong with it and how we treat it. The three-part series follows the compelling stories of people whose hearts have led them to a brush with mortality, exploring common misconceptions about this unique organ and documenting the latest medical revelations.
A 19-year-old college freshman, a former cowboy in Brazil, a radio journalist, a one-time drug abuser: all they have in common are malfunctioning hearts. The Mysterious Human Heart introduces viewers to individuals who find themselves on the cutting edge of science and medicine -- not only patients, but also doctors, scientists, engineers and others whose skills and discoveries are prolonging lives. The series also pays special attention to women and minorities, who have their own unique risks and symptoms, but who have traditionally been neglected when it comes to information about heart health.
Each segment focuses on a different aspect of the heart, and much of the series' impact comes from the interactions between patients and the specialists who are fighting to save their lives -- in some cases by venturing to the far borders of scientific and medical knowledge.
The Mysterious Human Heart is produced by David Grubin Productions and WNET/New York in association with WETA/Washington. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org .
Contact: Ellen Soileau
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Heart surgeons at work.
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