The way physicians diagnose and treat heart disease has changed over the years.

On Thursday, Dr. Peter L. Duffy, a cardiologist with Pinehurst Cardiology Consultants, will talk about these changes.

Duffy's presentation is the second in a five-part educational series focusing on the services of the new Reid Heart Center: The FirstHealth Cardiac and Vascular Institute.

The program will get under way at 6 p.m. in the Reid Heart Center, which is at 120 Page Road North, between N.C. 211 and Memorial Drive, on the Moore Regional Hospital campus.

In his presentation, Duffy will focus on modern technology and how it has changed the way cardiologists diagnose and treat heart disease, from the initial history and physical exam to testing, which may include EKG, labs, cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology.

He will speak specifically on all theses areas and conclude with information on the use of the radial artery approach in the cath lab and the promise of non-surgical aortic valve replacement. Both are the result of new technology in the treatment of heart disease.

Duffy is one of the founding members of Pinehurst Cardiology Consultants.

He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College and completed his cardiology fellowship at Georgetown University Medical School and the Washington, D.C., Veterans Administration Hospital. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases and in the subspecialty in interventional cardiology.

His areas of expertise include chest pain evaluation, heart attack care, cardiac catheterization and coronary angioplasty including stent replacement and rotational atherectomy.

There is no charge, but registration is required. People can register by calling (910) 715-1478 or (800) 213-3284 toll-free.

Registration is also available online at www.first-health.org/heart.