In a market flooded with medical advertising, what should you look for in a heart hospital? Western Baptist wants to answer some of the questions that may be tugging at your heart.

Q:  What is Western Baptist’s tradition of excellence in cardiac care?

A:  Western Baptist is the region’s first hospital to introduce more than 30 cardiac procedures, including cardiac catheterization in 1977 and open-heart surgery in 1985, and the first to build a heart center devoted entirely to cardiac care. It also performs more cardiac catheterizations, angioplasties, pacemakers and open-heart surgeries than other area hospitals.

Q:  What services does the new Baptist Heart Center offer?

A:  As Kentucky’s only heart center west of Louisville built from the ground up to treat heart problems, the $20 million, 79,000-square foot facility is strategically located adjacent to the hospital’s Emergency department, where most cardiac problems are first diagnosed. It houses four cardiac catheterization labs, echocardiology, nuclear cardiology, stress testing, cardiac rehabilitation and an auditorium for staff and community education. A rooftop heliport allows distant patients to be transported quickly to the Chest Pain Center for lifesaving intervention.

Q:  How has Western Baptist been recognized for excellence in cardiac care?

A:  Western Baptist Hospital is the first in the region to earn national accreditation by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, recognizing a hospital-wide effort to implement best practices aimed at saving heart muscle. It also is the area’s first hospital to earn a performance achievement award from the American Heart Association for excellence in treating coronary artery disease.

The hospital’s cardiac treatment response times exceed national standards, giving heart patients and their families fast, effective cardiac care. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals has received extensive, specialized training in acute coronary syndrome and cardiac care. We are honored by national accolades, but we are dedicated to treating you well—being first in your heart. That’s why we are happy to share stories from our patients on westernbaptist.com. Click on HealthBreak to hear their heart-warming stories.  

How can I learn more about heart health?

To learn more about the risk factors, symptoms and treatment for heart disease, visit westernbaptist.com/heart. You can take a free, five-minute online heart risk survey and become eligible for reduced-cost cardiac screenings at Baptist Prime Care. You also may phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918.

Send your questions!

Do you have a cardiac question tugging at your heart? Send it to heartbeat@bhsi.com or mail it to HeartBeat, 2501 Kentucky Ave., Paducah, KY  42003. If we use it in a future HeartBeat column, you will win a Baptist Heart Center T-shirt.