Crittenden County physician Greg Maddux, M.D., (left) speaks with Baptist Heart Center medical director Patrick Withrow, M.D., during a recent site visit.

Kentucky leads the U.S. in heart disease, the nation’s leading killer of men and women. And in western Kentucky, the statistics are particularly troubling. Ballard, Carlisle and Crittenden counties have the highest rate of heart disease in the state, prompting Baptist Heart Center medical director Patrick Withrow, M.D., to take action. “The statistics are disturbing,” said Dr. Withrow. “Western Kentuckians are at the highest risk for heart disease. The need for education, both among citizens and the medical community, is significant.”

In conjunction with the opening of the new Baptist Heart Center, Dr. Withrow, along with physicians and staff from the hospital’s Emergency department and members of the PHI Air Medical team, have traveled to surrounding county hospitals to coordinate emergency services.

“We need consistency in treating heart patients in the area,” said Dr. Withrow. “By educating the area’s medical community on proper heart treatment, we can save more lives.”

According to a 2004 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), patient mortality can be reduced by more than 32 percent if proper protocols are followed for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Area physicians and hospital staff have found Dr. Withrow’s traveling education program beneficial.

“From a physician’s standpoint, the site visits were very informative,” said Livingston County general surgeon Michael Gavin, M.D. “It’s important that protocols, such as appropriate medication administration, are followed to expedite treatment and enhance recovery.”

Michael Gavin, M.D.

Crittenden County physician Greg Maddux, M.D., agrees. “Forging strong relationships among hospitals is crucial,” Dr. Maddux said. “Baptist’s receptiveness to quickly accept and treat patients who need further intervention is very important in our rural setting.”

Dr. Withrow said developing clear communication with area hospitals and establishing efficient guidelines for patient care will result in better outcomes.

“When everyone is on the same page, the patient benefits,” said Dr. Withrow. “Saving lives—that’s the goal of everyone here at Western Baptist.”

Phone Baptist’s Chest Pain and Stroke Hotline For help recognizing the symptoms of stroke, phone Western Baptist Hospital’s Chest Pain and Stroke Hotline at 1-800-575-1911 to speak with a registered nurse. More information is available on the hospital’s Web site at westernbaptist.com.