HOUSTON (October 9, 2007) Texas Heart Institute physicians, Drs. Denton A. Cooley and Bud Frazier are featured in the first episode of a new PBS television series, premiering Monday, October 15, 2007.

THE MYSTERIOUS HUMAN HEART is an in-depth television series from award-winning filmmaker David Grubin about the heart: how it works, what can go wrong with it, and how we treat it. The three-part series follows the true, compelling stories of men and women, young and old alike, whose hearts have led them to a brush with mortality. Through these encounters, the series will explore the most common misconceptions about this unique organ, and document the latest scientific and medical revelations—discoveries that have transformed our understanding of the heart and given us new insights into the best ways to prevent heart disease and treat it when it does occur.

A 19-year-old college freshman, a former cowboy in Brazil, a radio journalist, a one-time drug abuser: the only thing heart patients have in common is a malfunctioning heart. THE MYSTERIOUS HUMAN HEART introduces viewers to individuals who find themselves on the cutting edge of science and medicine—not only patients, but also the 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.

Filmed around the world and shot in high definition, these stories of inspiration and discovery are enhanced and clarified through incredibly life-like animations that provide viewers with a unique understanding of the inner workings of the heart and the circulatory system. The series also features unique archival footage, powerful dramatic reconstructions and interviews with many of the world’s leading heart health experts.

Each of the series’ one-hour segments focuses on a different aspect of what we thought we knew, what we know now, and what we’re on the verge of learning about the heart. As an extension to the broadcast of THE MYSTERIOUS HUMAN HEART, Thirteen/WNET will oversee a Community Outreach campaign that partners with leading heart health organizations like WomenHeart and the American Heart Association, as well as with local public television stations around the country to bring heart health and awareness to local communities.

THE MYSTERIOUS HUMAN HEART is presented by Thirteen/WNET New York, and is a co-production of David Grubin Productions and Thirteen/WNET New York in association with WETA Washington, D.C. For more information go to  www.thirteen.org/pressroom or www.pbs.org/pressroom.