Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center provides a cardiac team that is recognized throughout the Southeast for providing a full range of high-quality cardiovascular services, from prevention, intervention and surgery, to wellness programs and patient education.

In 2023, Baptist Anderson was recognized by the American College of Cardiology for the fifth year in a row as a Platinum Performance Award winner. The award recognizes the hospital’s success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients by meeting aggressive performance measures as outlined by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations. The Baptist Anderson cardiac team uses an evidence-based, protocol-driven, and structured approach to acute care cardiology which allows clinicians to quickly and efficiently assess patients who require timely treatment. Adequate implementation of these processes allows patients to be better monitored, ensuring they are not sent home too early or admitted unnecessarily.

Baptist Anderson’s cath lab is staffed by interventional cardiologists from Cardiovascular Institute of the South who specialize in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease and structural heart conditions through catheter-based procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting.

“The commitment our hospital and staff have to expediting care for acute cardiovascular conditions shows their dedication to ensuring our patients receive the best treatments available, said Dr. Wesley Bennett, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South. “The teamwork between local EMS, ER staff, cardiologists, cath lab staff and nursing staff allows us to quickly and efficiently assess patients who require immediate treatment in order to provide successful outcomes.”

Baptist Anderson expanded its heart surgery program in 2023 with the addition of three cardiothoracic surgeons from University of Mississippi Medical Center. These surgeons provide highly skilled treatments for heart disease at any stage, from minimally invasive cardiac surgeries to complex heart valve replacements, enabling patients to receive advanced care close to home.

The cardiac rehabilitation program at Baptist Anderson is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. This program provides individualized fitness programs for patients who have experienced a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The cardiac care team at Baptist Anderson recognized the need for a cardiopulmonary rehab program in 1989, and Anderson has continued to provide patients with a safe and closely monitored transition to an active lifestyle after a cardiac event.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, killing an estimated 17.9 million people each year. Heart disease is also the #1 cause of death for women due to a common pre-conception that cardiovascular disease is not as big of a health issue for women. Bennett advises individuals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart disease.

“The first thing people think of is the obvious sign such as pain and tightness in your chest. Some have pain in their elbow, shoulder, or neck, shortness of breath, nausea, or a cough. Some patients may become sweaty while others may have cool, clammy skin. It’s important not to overlook these signs and dismiss them, especially if it is something unusual and ongoing,” he said.

When asked how he diagnoses heart disease, Bennett said, “It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact diagnosis but we start by speaking with the patient. Patients shouldn’t be embarrassed to share all of the details with their care team and shouldn’t minimize the symptoms they are experiencing. Medical and family history of heart disease plays a big part in the diagnosis process, as well as any pre-existing risk factors the patient may have.”

Some risk factors can’t be changed, but you can take other steps to lower your risk of heart disease.

“People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease are at a high risk of heart disease and need to take measures to manage these conditions. Also, individuals who smoke, are overweight and live a sedentary lifestyle have an increased risk,” Bennett said.

To lower your risk, follow these tips:

• Manage your blood pressure and be mindful of your sugar intake;
• Keep your cholesterol levels, especially LDL (bad) cholesterol, in check;
• Walk 20 minutes per day, five times a week;
• Weight reduction and maintaining a healthy weight;
• Low fat, low cholesterol diet to maintain fat intake;
• Reduction in calories;
• Carbohydrates should be avoided/limited;
• Stay away from smoking; and
• Manage diabetes.