LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In its first year, UofL Health – Heart Hospital at Jewish Hospital has proved itself as the region’s only hospital exclusively focused on comprehensive and innovative heart care. Since the official opening in August of 2022, the Heart Hospital has cared for more than 60,000 patients from across the region and the country. Its patients came from 118 of Kentucky’s 120 counties and 46 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
“Heart Hospital is a clear testament of our mission to revolutionize the health of the communities we serve,” said John Walsh, CEO of UofL Health – Jewish Hospital and Heart Hospital. “We are changing lives with convenient access to essential care that’s impacting Kentucky and beyond.”
Built on the world-renowned legacy of 40 medical heart firsts at Jewish Hospital, the Heart Hospital pulls together all heart services into one main location to heal, revive, protect and even replace hearts. The addition of more than 30 new providers dedicated to heart care further demonstrated UofL Health’s commitment to this community. Heart Hospital providers were able to perform 40% more surgeries than the year prior. That’s 40% more patients treated, and 40% more families who got to spend more time with someone they love. In addition, 20 heart transplants have taken place since the announcement of Heart Hospital.
“We’ve prioritized our patients’ heart health by dedicating a space that combines comprehensive clinical care with academic expertise,” said Siddharth Pahwa, M.D., cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. “We have many efficient and effective methods that not only increase patients’ life but also give them a very good quality of life. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this world-class group of surgeons, cardiologists and advance providers who go above and beyond to put a patient’s heart health first.”
According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, heart disease remains Kentucky’s leading cause of death. The Heart Hospital is designed to change that statistic by saving lives and improving heart health. From the routine to the rare, and advancing research, the specially trained staff that continues to grow is dedicated to taking care of heart patients and their families. One of those patients is John Crush.
“I was sent to Heart Hospital for an emergency EKG that quickly led to an MRI, a cardiac catheterization and, ultimately, open-heart surgery,” said John Crush, a patient of Heart Hospital. “The individual attention given to me was very reassuring both before and after the surgery. When the cardiac rehabilitation was offered, I accepted, not really knowing what to expect. The team at Cardiac Rehab is extraordinary, welcoming, caring, understanding and devoted to helping people like me. I am so impressed with the group that I have visited them on two occasions since finishing my program. Congratulations on assembling such a wonderful team to help me continue a very active lifestyle.”
The Heart Hospital has more than 100 beds dedicated for heart patients. Rising 15 stories above downtown Louisville, with nearly 280,000 square feet, it provides leading-edge heart care on UofL Health’s academic medical campus. It includes six dedicated cardiac cath labs, two hybrid operating rooms, three electrophysiology labs and three cardiac operating rooms collectively equipped for TAVR, Watchmen Flex and heart transplant procedures. More than 300 heart care professionals make up the Heart Hospital team, with preventative and follow-up care extended to more than 30 locations across Kentucky and Indiana.
All Heart Hospital locations are now available to assist patients, downtown and at more than 30 locations across the community. For more information, visit UofLHealth.org/HeartHospital or call 502-587-4000.
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