People living in rural communities have an average life expectancy three years shorter than those in urban areas and face a 30% higher risk of dying from stroke, according to an American Heart Association presidential advisory on rural health. That gap has widened over the past two decades, and the hospital is committed to helping change that.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. Without prompt treatment, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, reducing disability and supporting recovery.

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines — Rural Stroke Gold Quality Achievement Award recognizes hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines, helping save lives and reduce disability.

“Patients and health care professionals in Carroll County face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Dr. Karen E. Joynt Maddox, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee and co-author of the Association’s rural health advisory. “Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County has advanced the important work of improving care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County is a 70-bed facility in Huntingdon, Tennessee, that provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical care to West Tennessee in a variety of specialized areas, including cardiac care, pediatrics, general surgery, physical therapy and palliative care, among others. The hospital offers advanced medical technology, such as 3D mammography and the Baptist TeleHealth Center, powered by TeleGuardian. Baptist Carroll County has earned many awards and recognitions, including the Tennessee Quality Award, Premier Inc.’s QUEST Award for High-Valued Healthcare, the QUEST Hero Award, the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in 2015 and multiple “A” Hospital Safety grades from the Leapfrog Group. The hospital was one of only two in Tennessee named to the Chartis Center for Rural Health 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals list. Baptist Carroll County also operates an outpatient surgery department in Jackson, Tennessee, offering convenient access to same-day surgical services with advanced capabilities. To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Facebook.

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People living in rural communities have an average life expectancy three years shorter than those in urban areas and face a 30% higher risk of dying from stroke, according to an American Heart Association presidential advisory on rural health. That gap has widened over the past two decades, and the hospital is committed to helping change that.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. Without prompt treatment, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, reducing disability and supporting recovery.

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines — Rural Stroke Gold Quality Achievement Award recognizes hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines, helping save lives and reduce disability.

“Patients and health care professionals in Paragould face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Dr. Karen E. Joynt Maddox, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee and co-author of the Association’s rural health advisory. “Baptist Memorial Hospital-Paragould has advanced the important work of improving care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-basedguidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Baptist Paragould provides progressive, compassionate health care to residents throughout Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. A 129-bed hospital with eight medical clinics, inpatient rehabilitation services, multiple medical specialties and a 91-bed assisted living facility, the hospital has received multiple recognitions for its cardiovascular and women’s health care. Formerly named Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Baptist Paragould merged with Baptist Memorial Health Care in March 2026. To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/baptistmemorialparagould/.

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People living in rural communities have an average life expectancy three years shorter than those in urban areas and face a 30% higher risk of dying from stroke, according to an American Heart Association presidential advisory on rural health. That gap has widened over the past two decades, and the hospital is committed to helping change that.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. Without prompt treatment, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, reducing disability and supporting recovery.

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines — Rural Stroke Gold Quality Achievement Award recognizes hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines, helping save lives and reduce disability.

“Patients and health care professionals in Union County face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Dr. Karen E. Joynt Maddox, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee and co-author of the Association’s rural health advisory. “Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County has advanced the important work of improving care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Baptist Union County offers a variety of services, including adult and pediatric inpatient care, cancer care, sleep lab, maternity, orthopedics, surgery, robotic surgery, a 24-hour emergency department and diagnostics. The hospital also has positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans, 3D mammography, TeleHealth services and an eICU. Baptist Union County has an excellent reputation for providing quality care and recently earned multiple “A” Safety Grades from the Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Facebook.

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                    WHEN:           Friday, April 10, 2026

                                           1 p.m.

                     WHERE:        Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, flagpole near main entrance

                      6027 Walnut Grove Road      

                      Memphis, TN 38120

BACKGROUND: The Baptist Heart Institute at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis offers comprehensive heart services, including the only certified adult heart transplant and adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs in the Mid-South. Baptist also offers advanced cardiac care for patients through the Baptist Advanced Heart Failure Program. As a premier heart diagnostic, treatment and research facility, Baptist Heart Institute is the region’s largest and most comprehensive provider of mechanical and circulatory support devices and therapies.

INTERVIEW/PHOTOGRAPY OPPORTUNITIES:

·         Heart transplant patients

·         Kimberly Sharpe, Heart transplant recipient on March 14, 2025, Honorary flag bearer of the Mid-South Transplant Donate Life flag

·         Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, Director of Advanced Heart Failure, Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Baptist Heart Institute

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When Chip confirmed Glynn was his dad, the doctor said Chip needed more tests. They showed Chip had a heart murmur, which was was a major red flag for someone with his family history. He was later diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart condition in which the heart muscle thickens, making it difficult to pump or receive blood from the heart.

Chip's condition was manageable until he reached his 30s. 

He started having more tests done, and each one indicated his heart was getting weaker over time. His heart function gradually decreased over the next nine years. 

“I had a lot of different bad rhythms until, eventually, it got so weak that I couldn't see my doctor anymore,” said Chip. 

Chip was referred to Baptist Heart Institute in Memphis, Tennessee. 

“We're from Tupelo, so when we went to Memphis, it was for three straight days of tests,” said Chip. “That way, I didn't have to go back and forth so many times.”

Based on the test results, Chip’s care team, which included a cardiologist, transplant coordinators and nurses, recommended him for a heart transplant. 

They responded to every question Chip and his family had, no matter how simple or “silly” the question seemed.  

“Dr. Yaranov and Dr. Mahmoud were the ones I was meeting with the most and they gave us every answer we could imagine,” said Chip. 

Chip’s first assessments happened in May 2022. By Sept. 15, tests revealed his heart had decreased in function again. He stayed in the hospital for the next three and a half weeks until his heart transplant surgery on Oct. 8, 2022.

“Everybody was amazing,” said Chip. “They explained everything to us ahead of time. We knew what to expect, what was next and what to do."

Chip’s heart transplant has allowed him to be more active. It was a major change he’s still learning to accept.   

During a post-operative health screening scheduled before a trip to Universal Studios, his wife mentioned he wouldn't be able to ride the roller coasters because of his heart condition. But a nurse practitioner reminded Chip and his family, he could finally enjoy the roller coaster rides.  

“The nurse said, 'No, he doesn't have a heart problem. He had a transplant. He's healthy. Go do whatever you want to do.’  It’s really been a major mind shift to remember I can freely do all the things I told myself I couldn’t do for decades.” 

Receiving timely guidance from his care team at Baptist has also played a major part in Chip’s ability to enjoy this new era of his life. 

“You constantly have a medical professional that's always there,” said Chip. “Even if it's at night, in the middle of the night or on the weekend, you know they're going to give you a call back within 10 or 15 minutes.” 

Chip regularly gets messages, cards and other mementos from his Baptist care team during the holidays and his heart transplant anniversary.

Chip doesn’t consider his heart transplant a miracle. He sees his surgery as the product of the miracle workers at Baptist Heart Institute. His goal in life now is to do whatever he can to ensure others experience the same life-changing level of care he did. Sharing his story is one way Chip hopes he can make this possible. 

“A lot of people ask me if I had my transplant done at Vanderbilt in Nashville or outside of Tennessee,” said Chip. “I tell them, ‘No, it's in Memphis!’ I tell them it’s right at Baptist Memorial Hospital.”

About Baptist Heart Institute

Baptist Heart Institute at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis offers comprehensive heart services, including the only certified adult heart transplant and the only adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs in the Mid-South. Baptist also offers advanced cardiac care for patients through the Baptist Advanced Heart Failure Program. 

The Baptist Heart Mobile Cardiovascular Unit will offer heart and vascular screenings, bundled into brief basic and advanced screening packages that include heart risk assessments, electrocardiograms, ankle-brachial index tests, abdominal aorta ultrasound scans and more.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Mississippi and has been linked to obesity, smoking and physical inactivity. A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health led by two University of Mississippi professors found physician availability had a protective role on cardiovascular disease outcomes, and even small increases in the number of primary care physicians in an area could produce a substantial improvement in chronic heart disease and survival rates.

Baptist Heart’s mobile cardiovascular unit will be staffed by two to three health care professionals, including a mobile cardiovascular unit coordinator, who will provide health education and review results with patients. For more information, visit baptistheart.org/mobile.

Named the No. 1 hospital in Mississippi seven years in a row by U.S. News & World Report and among Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 “Great Hospitals in America,” Mississippi Baptist Medical Center is one of the most decorated hospitals in Mississippi. MBMC has 638 licensed beds and is home to Baptist Cancer Center, a six-level tower housing the Cardiovascular Center and Baptist for Women, which is Baby-Friendly USA accredited. The hospital has received numerous awards and recognitions for its excellent care, including multiple recognitions from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology in 2025 and 15 High Performing Hospital designations from U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026. MBMC signed a shared mission agreement with Baptist Memorial Health Care in May 2017, making Baptist Memorial one of Mississippi’s largest employers and the largest health care system in the state. For more information, visit baptistonline.org/mbmc or follow us on www.facebook.com/mississippibaptistmedicalcenter.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 26, 2025 – Baptist Heart Institute at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis recently marked the 40^th anniversary of the only adult heart transplant program in the Mid-South and the 30^th anniversary of the first implantation of a ventricular assist device to extend the life of heart failure patients.

Baptist Memphis has performed 499 adult heart transplants since the first procedure was performed on Oct. 21, 1985. Baptist has implanted almost 600 left ventricular assist devices and more than 200 HeartMate 3 devices in the past 30 years, making Baptist Memphis fourth in the nation in volume, according to Abbott Cardiovascular.

“These aren’t just numbers — they represent lives saved, hope restored and a vision fulfilled,” said Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, director of Advanced Heart Failure, Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support at Baptist Heart Institute. “We believe advanced heart failure care and ventricular assist device technology should be available to every patient who needs it. Baptist is proud to offer these services locally and keep our patients close to home for heart failure treatments.”

In February 2025, Baptist Heart Institute at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis and Mid-South Transplant Foundation united nine heart transplant recipients with their donor families during the largest-known meeting of its kind on National Donor Day.

Although the average life expectancy post-transplant is 12 to 13 years, Baptist’s first heart transplant recipient lived 21 years post-transplant. Baptist’s longest surviving heart transplant patient, who is still living, celebrated the 32^nd anniversary of his transplant in October 2025.

Baptist Heart Institute at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis offers comprehensive heart services, including the only certified adult heart transplant and the only adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs in the Mid-South. Baptist also offers advanced cardiac care for patients through the Baptist Advanced Heart Failure Program. As a premier heart diagnostic, treatment and research facility, Baptist Heart Institute is the region’s largest and most comprehensive provider of mechanical and circulatory support devices and therapies. Baptist’s heart transplant team of cardiologists, surgeons, doctors, nurses and other dedicated staff members provide follow-up care to approximately 170 post-heart transplant recipients across five states. To learn more about the heart transplant program at Baptist Heart Institute, please visit baptistonline.org/services/heart/heart-transplant.

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                    WHEN:           Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

                                           11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

WHERE:        FedEx Event Center

                      415 Great View Dr. E., Suite 103

                      Memphis, TN 38134

BACKGROUND: Baptist Heart Institute at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis offers comprehensive heart services, including the only certified adult heart transplant and adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs in the Mid-South. Since the program’s inception in 1985, Baptist has performed 498 adult heart transplants. Baptist also offers advanced cardiac care for patients through the Baptist Advanced Heart Failure Program. As a premier heart diagnostic, treatment and research facility, Baptist Heart Institute is the region’s largest and most comprehensive provider of mechanical and circulatory support devices and therapies. Baptist’s heart transplant team of cardiologists, surgeons, doctors, nurses and other dedicated staff members provide follow-up care to approximately 170 post-heart transplant recipients across five states.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

·         Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, director of advanced heart failure, transplant and mechanical circulatory support

·         Dr. Brian Bruckner, heart transplant surgeon, surgical director of thoracic transplant and mechanical circulatory support

·         Chip Fraizer, heart transplant recipient and school teacher

·         James Ridgell, Baptist’s longest-surviving heart transplant recipient (32 years post-transplant)

·         More than 45 heart transplant and ventricular assist device recipients, as well as patients on the heart transplant list

·         Progressive display of 30 years of ventricular assist devices  

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The award recognizes Mississippi Baptist Medical Center’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. Recognized hospitals have demonstrated sustained, top-level performance in quality of care and adherence to guideline recommendations.

“Being recognized by the American College of Cardiology for the heart care we provide at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center is a great honor and a validation of the high-quality heart care our staff provides,” said Bobbie Ware, CEO and administrator at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. “This award validates the excellence of our clinical team and demonstrates their commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients and community. I congratulate our heart division for dedicating themselves every day to the well-being of seriously ill heart patients and for continuing to raise the bar for heart care.”   

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry for five consecutive years and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry immerses hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

The National Cardiovascular Data Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, named the No. 1 hospital in Mississippi six years in a row by U.S. News & World Report, signed a shared mission agreement with Baptist Memorial Health Care in May 2017, making Baptist Memorial one of Mississippi’s largest employers and the largest health care system in the state. MBMC has 638 licensed beds and is home to Baptist Cancer Center, a six-level tower housing the Cardiovascular Center and Baptist for Women. The hospital has received numerous awards and recognition for its excellent care, including  the Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, and was awarded the Chest Pain Center Accreditation with PCI (Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) by the American College of Cardiology in 2024. For more information, visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/jackson or follow us on www.facebook.com/mississippibaptistmedicalcenter.

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The award recognizes Baptist Golden Triangle’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. Recognized hospitals have demonstrated sustained, top-level performance in quality of care and adherence to guideline recommendations.

“Being recognized by the American College of Cardiology for the heart care we provide at Baptist Golden Triangle is a great honor and a validation of the high-quality heart care our staff provides,” said Robert Coleman, CEO and administrator at Baptist Golden Triangle. “This award validates the excellence of our clinical team and demonstrates their commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients and community. I congratulate our heart division for dedicating themselves every day to the well-being of seriously ill heart patients and for continuing to raise the bar for heart care.”   

Baptist Golden Triangle has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry immerses hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

The National Cardiovascular Data Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

With 323 beds, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is one of the largest regional hospitals affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care. More than 100 physicians and surgeons, representing almost every medical specialty, practice at the hospital that offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. In addition to the Baptist Cancer Center in Columbus and Starkville, the hospital offers a variety of other services to the community, including Baptist Behavioral Health Care, for those with behavioral and mental health problems; an extensive rehabilitation department; and free community education programs for the public.  For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/golden-triangle, or follow us on Facebook @BaptistGoldenTriangle.

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The award recognizes Baptist Anderson’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. Recognized hospitals have demonstrated sustained, top-level performance in quality of care and adherence to guideline recommendations.

“Being recognized by the American College of Cardiology for seven years in a row demonstrates our entire team’s unwavering commitment to excellence for our patients,” said Dr. Jennifer Rodriguez, interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Institute of the South and Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center. “For this to happen, every single team member—including our technologists, nurses and providers—must perform at an exceptional level every single day, for every single patient. I am beyond proud to be part of this team and excited to continue finding new ways to bring high-quality care to our community.”

Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry immerses hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

The National Cardiovascular Data Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center merged with Baptist Memorial Health Care, one of the largest health care systems in the U.S., in January 2024. Founded by Dr. William Jefferson Anderson in 1928, the hospital became the leader in offering premier medical services in Meridian, Mississippi, with 260 patient beds on its north campus and 140 beds on its south campus. Providing unparalleled care in East Central Mississippi and West Central Alabama, Baptist Anderson offers access to the area’s only cancer center, including radiation oncology and medical oncology services, a level III trauma emergency department with helipad service, advanced intensive care and cardiac care units, an obstetrics program with a level III newborn ICU, an inpatient pediatric center, a medically based fitness center and a network of primary care, specialty and rural health clinics. For more information, visit www.andersonregional.org or follow us on Facebook.

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Baptist DeSoto is the first hospital in Mississippi to receive this recognition, which highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional cardiovascular care and consistently achieving outstanding patient outcomes.

“Earning the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence validates our staff’s dedication to providing the highest quality of care to our community,” said Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator. “This achievement reflects the hard work and expertise of our entire heart and vascular team.”

To earn this distinction, Baptist Desoto successfully achieved four ACC cardiovascular accreditations in the areas of chest pain, heart failure, catheterization lab and electrophysiology lab. These accreditations reflect the hospital’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in cardiovascular treatment, diagnosis and patient-centered care.

Baptist Desoto also actively participates in multiple National Cardiovascular Data Registry programs, consistently ranking in the highest percentiles among hospitals of comparable size. The hospital’s participation in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Registry further demonstrates its commitment to benchmarking performance and continuously improving patient outcomes.

The ACC, a leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health, establishes standards for cardiovascular care and offers comprehensive accreditation services to ensure hospitals provide high-quality, evidence-based care.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2024–2025, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care, and Premier Inc. with the 2021 Premier QUEST Hero Award. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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Dr. Jiang Cui with Stern Cardiovascular implanted the first-ever dual chamber leadless pacemaker system in the metro-Memphis area for patients with slow or irregular heartbeats. The AVEIR DR device is one-tenth the size of traditional pacemakers, allows continuous communication and pacing between two chambers of the heart and can be retrieved and upgraded with new technology.

“Giving North Mississippians access to the most advanced medical treatments and technology for advanced heart care is a priority for Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto,” said Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator of Baptist DeSoto. “Through technology, training and continuous improvement, our heart program rivals any in the Mid-South.” 

Baptist DeSoto’s electrophysiology team recently earned accreditation from the American College of Cardiology for the lab’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the EP lab. EP labs provide care for patients with arrythmias and offer treatments, such as cardiac ablation, pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and other administrative staff to support efforts for better patient education, improved patient outcomes and more effective and efficient disease control.

Baptist DeSoto performed more than 13,500 heart-related procedures in 2024, with 795 procedures taking place in the EP lab. U.S. News & World Report named Baptist DeSoto a High Performing Hospital for 2024–2025 for congestive heart failure, heart attack and stroke.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by Premier Inc. with the 2021 Premier QUEST Hero Award, U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2024–2025, and the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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Reneé Hatcher, RN, has been the program’s administrative director since 2022, but she has worked in the transplant unit her entire 37-year nursing career. She knows keeping this program running smoothly requires excellent teamwork.

“We have a really special team here, and they all have a keen ability to connect with patients,” said Hatcher. “Our patients become our patients for life, so developing strong relationships with them is essential.”

Transplant patients receive care from a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, transplant coordinators, case managers, financial coordinators and physical therapists.

Unlike most other hospital units, a transplant program involves lifelong relationships with patients. Many patients arrive at the hospital in very poor health, awaiting a new heart. After receiving the transplant, they need follow-up care at the hospital for the rest of their lives.

Ashley Salameh, RN, first joined the transplant team in the transplant ICU, caring for critically ill patients with heart failure and recent heart transplant recipients. Patients in the ICU receive a variety of heart failure therapies, including medication, implantable devices and transplantation.

“When I first began working in the unit, I’d never seen an environment that intense before. We are with these patients throughout a difficult journey. When we get to see them finally live without heart failure, it’s very rewarding.”

The process does not end when a patient receives a new heart. Recipients require lifelong care to ensure their transplanted organ is thriving, including medications that suppress the immune system.

“A transplanted organ is not native to the patient’s body,” explained Salameh, “so immunosuppressant medication is essential to preventing the immune system from attacking the new organ. That means transplant recipients are more susceptible to viruses because their immune systems are suppressed.”

Today, Salameh is a transplant coordinator and sees patients post-transplant, educating and guiding them through life as an organ recipient.

Three post-transplant coordinators work with recipients, and someone is on call 24 hours a day. After a transplant, patients meet with transplant coordinators weekly, eventually transitioning to monthly appointments. During the second year after a transplant, coordinators meet with patients every six weeks, then every eight weeks for the third year. The fourth year and beyond, transplant recipients see their transplant coordinator every 12 weeks.

An additional two transplant coordinators work specifically with patients prior to transplant, overseeing the process of evaluating patients and getting them on the organ wait-list.

The transplant unit is a fast-paced and sometimes stressful work environment, and Nurse Manager Jenifer Graham believes teamwork is what makes their group successful.

“We communicate well and trust each other because we all want to take the best care of our patients,” said Graham. “We are highly engaged and constantly learning about new therapies and equipment to serve patients with advanced heart failure.”  

Meet members of Baptist Heart Institute’s transplant team:

To join the Baptist team, please click here.

For more information about Baptist Heart Institute, click here.

Baptist hosted this event to honor the life-saving generosity of organ donors and their families while celebrating the second chances given to recipients. The reunion provided an opportunity for patients and donor families to share stories and learn about each other, and donor families spent time listening to their loved one’s heart beating in heart transplant recipients through a stethoscope.

“The emotions we witnessed from patients, donor families and staff provided much love and healing today,” said Renee Hatcher, administrative director of transplant services at Baptist Heart Institute. “We are honored to have been a part of such an amazing day, and we are thankful to offer this life-saving care to our community.”

Nine transplant recipients met approximately 75 family members of their donors. Recipients ranged in age from 25 to 70. One donor family was local to Memphis, but the rest travelled from Kansas, Nebraska, Texas and Mississippi. This was a first-time meeting for all and a demonstration of how organ donation can make a difference in the lives of recipients and donor families.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis has performed 490 adult heart transplants since the program’s inception in 1985. In October, Baptist will mark the 40^th anniversary of the first heart transplant in the Mid-South. Baptist’s heart transplant team of cardiologists, surgeons, doctors, nurses and other dedicated staff members provide follow-up care to approximately 170 post-heart transplant recipients across five states, ensuring their ongoing well-being and monitoring their progress. Baptist’s longest-surviving heart transplant patient will celebrate the 32^nd anniversary of his transplant in 2025.

“These donors’ gift of life makes it possible for some patients with advanced heart failure to have a second chance at life,” said Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, director of Advanced Heart Failure at Baptist Heart Institute. “We are so thankful for these compassionate choices that allow us to continue this lifesaving work.”

National Donor Day, originally designated in 1998, helps raise awareness for organ, eye, tissue, marrow, platelet and blood donation. Annually, Baptist and Mid-South Transplant Foundation use this day to highlight the importance of organ and tissue donation and inspire others to become registered organ donors.

Baptist Heart Institute at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis offers comprehensive heart services, including the only certified adult heart transplant and the only adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs in the Mid-South. Baptist also offers advanced cardiac care for patients through the Baptist Advanced Heart Failure Program. As a premier heart diagnostic, treatment and research facility, Baptist Heart Institute is the region’s largest and most comprehensive provider of mechanical and circulatory support devices and therapies. In 2022, Baptist became the first hospital in the state of Tennessee to use a Barostim implant to treat heart failure, and in 2023, Baptist was the first in the state to implant a cardiac contractility modulation device. To learn more about the heart transplant program at Baptist Heart Institute, please visit baptistonline.org/services/heart/heart-transplant.

Mid-South Transplant Foundation has been connecting lives through organ donation since 1976. As the federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization for counties in western Tennessee, northern Mississippi and eastern Arkansas, Mid-South Transplant Foundation provides services including organ procurement, tissue recovery, laboratory testing, 24-hour rapid response to referrals from our hospital partners and an array of community education promoting the importance of donation. To register as an organ and tissue donor, please visit midsouthtransplant.org/register.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, a 706-bed hospital located on an 80-acre medical campus in Memphis, Tennessee, is the flagship hospital of Baptist Memorial Health Care, one of the largest health care systems in the country. Named as the No. 1 hospital in the Memphis metropolitan area and No. 2 hospital in the state of Tennessee by U.S. News & World Report for 2024–2025, the hospital serves as a major referral center for patients across the Mid-South. The hospital also offers specialty, diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. According to HealthGrades, an independent health care ratings organization, Baptist Memphis’ cardiac surgery, stroke, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and critical care programs were among the top 5% in the country in 2009, resulting in the facility receiving Specialty Excellence awards. For more information, please visit baptistonline.org/memphis, call 901-226-5000 or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-memphis.

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The award recognizes Baptist Anderson’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association’s clinical standards of care. Baptist Anderson is one of only 400 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.

“For a very impressive sixth time, Baptist Anderson has been recognized for excellence in setting care protocols for patients who present with acute heart attack or stroke,” said Dr. Wes Bennett, interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Institute of the South and medical director of cardiology at Baptist Anderson. “I congratulate those in our division who dedicate themselves every day to the well-being of seriously ill heart patients and who are continuing to raise the bar for heart care. This award is truly well deserved.” 

To receive the 2024 Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, the hospital has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023), and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry immerses hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its more than 56,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and lead in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org. 

Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center merged with Baptist Memorial Health Care, one of the largest health care systems in the U.S., in January 2024. Founded by Dr. William Jefferson Anderson in 1928, the hospital became the leader in offering premier medical services in Meridian, Mississippi, with 260 patient beds on its north campus and 140 beds on its south campus. Providing unparalleled care in East Central Mississippi and West Central Alabama, Baptist Anderson offers access to the area’s only cancer center, including radiation oncology and medical oncology services, a level III trauma emergency department with helipad service, advanced intensive care and cardiac care units, an obstetrics program with a level III newborn ICU, an inpatient pediatric center, a network of primary care and rural health clinics, specialty clinics representing endocrinology, urology and rheumatology, and a medically based fitness center. For more information, visit www.andersonregional.org or follow us on Facebook.

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Baptist is the only provider for adult heart transplants in the Mid-South and serves the region with the only adult ECMO program. Baptist also performs the most ventricular assist device procedures in the area.

“Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis is proud to have Drs. Bruckner and Larson join our team of talented cardiovascular experts,” said Paul Cade, vice president and CEO of Baptist Memphis. “Heart disease is a leading cause of death for Mid-Southerners and patients often require a higher level of care. With Drs. Bruckner and Larson expertise, Baptist Memphis can continue to grow our advanced heart services and offer a high level of cardiovascular care in our community.”

Dr. Bruckner will serve as director of thoracic transplant and mechanical circulatory support for Baptist. He built the largest ventricular assist device and transplant program in the state of Texas during his time at Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Brucker earned his doctorate from the University of Florida College of Medicine and his Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Florida. Dr. Brucker completed his residency and research fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine and his transplant residency at Texas Heart Institute, both in Houston.

As surgical director of cardiac transplant and mechanical circulatory support and ECMO, Dr. Larson will lead Baptist’s ECMO program as she did at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, where she was also the clinical assistant professor for the division of cardiothoracic surgery. Dr. Larson obtained her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, California. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in biology and Spanish from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and her Master of Science in biomedical science from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, in Fort Worth.

The Baptist Heart Institute offers comprehensive heart services in one location, delivering advanced diagnostics and treatment to help patients achieve and maintain heart health. The Advanced Heart Failure Program, located within the Baptist Heart Institute, provides comprehensive cardiac care and services for patients diagnosed with advanced heart failure who no longer respond to medicines and require frequent hospitalization. In 2022, Baptist became the first hospital in the state of Tennessee to use barostim implants to treat heart failure, and in 2023, Baptist was the first in the state to implant a cardiac contractility modulation device.

The Baptist Memphis campus includes the 706-bed hospital, which is the flagship of the Baptist Memorial Health Care system. Named as the Best Regional Hospital in Memphis by U.S. News & World Report in 2022, it serves as a major referral center for patients from across the Mid-South and offers the only adult heart transplant program in the region in addition to many diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. The hospital has added hundreds of beds in the past few years, with the opening of a new patient tower and the Baptist Heart Institute. According to HealthGrades, an independent health care ratings organization, Baptist Memphis’ cardiac surgery, stroke, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and critical care programs were among the top 5% in the nation in 2009, resulting in the facility receiving Specialty Excellence awards.

HeartScore screenings are a noninvasive computerized tomography scan of the heart that measures the amount of calcium in coronary arteries. Although calcium is necessary for many body functions, it deposits as plaque in arteries. Recent research has shown a direct correlation between the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries and the likelihood of a future heart attack. HeartScore is a painless, noninvasive scan that takes approximately 10 minutes.

“American Heart Month is a good reminder to get screened for heart-related issues,” said James Grantham, CEO and administrator of Baptist Union County. “We are happy to help provide this type of preventive care close to home.”

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 662-538-2133 and are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the hospital, located at 200 Highway 30 West. Fasting is not required and participants should avoid caffeine 12 hours before appointments.

Baptist Union County offers a variety of services, including adult and pediatric inpatient care, a sleep lab, maternity, surgery, a 24-hour emergency department and diagnostics. The hospital also has PET/CT scans, 3D mammography, telemedicine services and an eICU. Baptist Union County has an excellent reputation for providing quality care and recently earned an “A” Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group and multiple Outstanding Patient Experience and Patient Safety Excellence awards from Healthgrades. For more information about Baptist Union County, please call 662-538-7631 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/union-county.

Baptist Memphis is the first in the region to use this technology to transport organs. The technology is unique in that it is temperature- and pressure-controlled, maintaining the temperature of donor organs between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius — a temperature range that ensures metabolic preservation while avoiding freezing injury to donor organs traveling between operating rooms.

"We’re excited to have this latest advancement in organ preservation technology as it allows us to travel farther to procure organs and shorten wait times for our patients," said Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, program director, Baptist Memorial Hospital Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support Services. “The SherpaPak offers our team a way to closely monitor the heart in real time from removal to transplant. The control that this technology offers us will help provide every possible advantage to our patients, which is our top priority.”

Since the inception of organ transplantation nearly 70 years ago, donor hearts have been carefully transported to recipient hospitals in consumer-grade ice coolers, an uncontrolled method of preservation that risks potential freezing injuries to the donor heart. Clinical studies have discovered rapid temperature decreases in ice cooler transportation, potentially introducing detrimental effects to the integrity of the donor heart. The SherpaPak technology provides a controlled method to standardize preservation and avoid the risks of unmonitored freezing injury and provides updates in real-time temp and with location tracking using the app.

Paragonix Technologies is a leading provider of Food and Drug Administration-cleared organ preservation devices that safeguard organs during the journey between donor and recipient patients. Our devices incorporate clinically proven and medically trusted cold preservation techniques with digital tools for organ tracking, monitoring and reporting to provide patients and providers with every possible advantage. To learn more about Paragonix Advanced Organ Preservation technology, visit https://paragonixtechnologies.com/products/sherpapak-cardiac-organ-transport-system/.

TThe Baptist Memphis campus includes its 706-bed namesake — Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, which is the flagship hospital of the Baptist Memorial Health Care system. The hospital serves as a major referral center for patients from across the Mid-South and offers many diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. The hospital has added hundreds of beds since opening with the addition of a new patient tower and the Baptist Heart Institute. U.S. News & World Report has named Baptist Memphis the No. 1 hospital in the Memphis metro area for the past two years. And according to HealthGrades, an independent health care ratings organization, Baptist Memphis’ cardiac surgery, stroke, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and critical care programs were among the top 5% in the nation in 2009, resulting in the facility receiving Specialty Excellence Awards.

Wills will oversee the development of a comprehensive cardiovascular strategy and will focus on growth opportunities, enriching physician relationships and enhancing patient accessibility and experience. Hatcher will be responsible for the overall growth and quality of the heart transplant program.

“We are excited to have Tom and Renee leading our advanced heart programs,” said Brad Parsons, VP and CEO of Baptist Memphis. “We offer the only certified adult heart transplant and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs in the Mid-South. Under Tom and Renee’s leadership, we will continue to meet a critical need for patients while advancing heart care in the region.”

Wills has more than 28 years of health care experience, previously serving in various leadership roles with Tenet Healthcare, HCA Healthcare, the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Community Health Systems, among others. He retired from the U.S. Army after spending 25 years in the infantry and the U.S. Army Nurse Corp. Wills earned a diploma in nursing from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Lubbock, Texas, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Public and Private Management from Birmingham-Southern College.

Hatcher began her nursing career at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Medical Center in 1988 in the cardiovascular intensive care unit and was later promoted to nurse manager. She has been an integral part of the transplant program since its inception and was critical in the development of the Baptist ventricular assist device and ECMO programs. She received a diploma in nursing from the Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Union University and a Master of Science in Nursing — Health Care Management from Loyola University New Orleans.

The Baptist Heart Institute offers comprehensive heart services in one location, and includes Baptist’s heart transplant program. The Advanced Heart Failure Program is located within the Baptist Heart Institute and provides comprehensive cardiac care for patients diagnosed with advanced heart failure but who no longer respond to medication and require frequent hospitalizations.

The Baptist Memphis campus includes its 706-bed namesake — Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, which is the flagship hospital of the Baptist Memorial Health Care system. The hospital serves as a major referral center for patients from across the Mid-South and offers many diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. The hospital has added hundreds of beds since opening with the addition of a new patient tower and the Baptist Heart Institute. U.S. News & World Report has named Baptist Memphis the No. 1 hospital in the Memphis metro area for the past two years. And according to HealthGrades, an independent health care ratings organization, Baptist Memphis’ cardiac surgery, stroke, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and critical care programs were among the top 5% in the nation in 2009, resulting in the facility receiving Specialty Excellence Awards.

Hospitals that earn ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven their staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. The Primary PCI accreditation means that Baptist Golden Triangle performs percutaneous coronary interventions for acute heart attacks. PCIs, also known as angioplasty, uses a catheter to put a stent in place to relieve cardiac plaque buildup.

“We are so proud of this chest pain accreditation and of our hardworking team members who helped us achieve the accreditation,” said Paul Cade, CEO and administrator of Baptist Golden Triangle. “This recognition demonstrates the high level of care we provide to our heart attack patients.”

ACC-accredited centers have streamlined their systems from admission and evaluation to diagnosis and treatment. These centers also provide appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and help patients make lifestyle changes.

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center Accreditation from ACC must take part in a multifaceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis, examining variances of care, developing an action plan, submitting to a rigorous on-site review and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the college and its 54,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and lead in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The college also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more information, visit www.acc.org.

With 315 beds, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is one of the largest regional hospitals affiliated with the Memphis, Tennessee-based Baptist Memorial Health Care system. More than 100 physicians and surgeons, representing almost every medical specialty, practice at the hospital that offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. In addition to the Baptist Cancer Center in Columbus and Starkville, the hospital offers a variety of other services to the community, including Baptist Behavioral Health Care for those with behavioral and mental health problems; an extensive rehabilitation department; and free community education programs for the public. Baptist Golden Triangle is the only hospital in Mississippi and one of only 22 in the U.S. to have achieved Straight ‘A’s in Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Score since 2012. For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit goldentriangle.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/Baptistgoldentriangle.

To earn accreditation, Baptist North Mississippi’s rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices.

“The certification from American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a testament to the high-quality care of our pulmonary rehab program,” said Bill Henning, administrator and CEO of Baptist North Mississippi. “Our health care providers and colleagues at Baptist North Mississippi work diligently to provide advanced care for patients.”

AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process that assesses a program’s adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. The certification is valid for three years.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory symptoms) recover faster and live healthier. Programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

Baptist North Mississippi is a 217-bed hospital in Oxford, Mississippi, that offers a variety of services, including cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, home care and hospice and a 24-hour emergency room. In November 2017, the hospital moved into a five-story, 600,000-square-foot-facility that offers expanded services, including a larger emergency department; advanced technology; and larger rooms for patients and their families. Since the hospital became affiliated with the Baptist system in 1989, Baptist has invested almost $700 million into the community. For more information, please call 662-636-1000 or visit northmiss.baptistonline.org.

Heart Transplants at Baptist

The Baptist Heart Transplant Program takes on complex cases, helping patients gain back their quality of life. After a patient is referred to the program, a multidisciplinary team carefully evaluates him or her to ensure potential benefits outweigh risks. “People with severe heart disease who no longer see results with medication may be candidates for a heart transplant,” said Alley Rutledge, postoperative nurse coordinator for the Baptist Heart Transplant Program. Some conditions that can lead to transplant surgery include

• Advanced heart failure
• Arrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital heart disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve diseases

Baptist’s transplant team assesses each patient on a case-by-case basis. Factors that help to decide if a patient is a heart transplant candidate include the severity of the heart disease, and other complicating factors that may affect the outcome of the transplanted heart.

A Dedicated Team of Experts

The program combines all cardiovascular services in one facility that includes high-quality care, research, education and data management. Transplant teams comprise dedicated medical professionals who help patients regain their health. “The team includes experts in cardiology, cardiac surgery, pharmacy, psychology, social work and nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy and all organ-specific physicians,” said Denise DuVall-Seaman, transplant operations manager for the Baptist Heart Transplant Program. DuVall-Seaman, who has been with the program since 1989, said transplant patients receive life-long care the day they are referred for advanced heart-failure therapy. “Our longest surviving patient, Mr. Thomas Bryant, received his heart 32 years ago,” said DuVall-Seaman. “He is doing well and still comes to see us for routine care. We not only help patients improve their quantity of life but also quality of life.” While some heart transplant programs are intimidating or impersonal, at Baptist, patients receive welcoming, compassionate care. “In some larger transplant programs, patients can feel like they’ve become a number instead of a person,” said Lorenz. “But that’s not the case here. Our patients feel like part of our family. We develop long-lasting relationships with our patients’ and their families.” Learn more about cardiovascular care and heart transplantation at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page. [foogallery id="3534"]

A wireless device may give new hope to some cardiac patients. Instead of using traditional pacemakers with wires — decades-old technology with well-documented problems — a new system uses a small, wireless electrode the size of a grain of rice to pace the heart, or help it beat in a regular pattern at a regular pace. This new device, developed by EBR Systems, is called the WiSE CRT System. It uses cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) to provide a more customized, patient-specific solution and is being studied in Tennessee and in a larger clinical trial, called SOLVE CRT, to assess its safety and effectiveness in patients whose hearts have not responded to traditional pacemakers or CRT devices. Dr. Eric Johnson, electrophysiologist at Stern Cardiovascular, implanted the first device in Tennessee on July 23, 2019, at the Baptist Heart Institute at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. “Stern Cardiovascular and Baptist Memorial Health Care are excited to participate in this trial,” said Brian Dragutsky, director of clinical research at Stern Cardiovascular. “We hope to confirm earlier study results and validate WiSE CRT’s potential for patients who have limited treatment options.”

About Heart Failure and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Without therapy, many people with heart failure deteriorate and eventually die. Cardiac resynchronization therapy is a method that improves symptoms and reduces mortality by electrically stimulating the heart. “Traditional CRT uses wire leads to synchronize the left and the right ventricles so that the two chambers beat together,” said Dragutsky. “This improves the heart’s efficiency.” Unfortunately, studies show 32%–43% of patients implanted with a traditional CRT device are non-responders at six months. “These patients are not getting the improvement in quality of life, exercise capacity and cardiac function that we would expect with the implant of a CRT device,” said Dragutsky. “With the implant of the WiSE CRT System, there is the expectation that the patient will become a responder because electrophysiologists  have more control when locating the device inside the left ventricle.” Use of the WiSE CRT System carries many of the same risks associated with the use of any commercially available CRT system, such as pain, allergic reactions or high-rate ventricular pacing.

A Promising Therapy for Patients

Benny Jones received the first WiSE CRT System device implant in Tennessee. Jones resides in Hamilton, Mississippi, and traveled to the Baptist Heart Institute to undergo the procedure to receive the leading-edge technology. “I hope my participation helps enable many deserving patients to receive the life-changing therapy,” said Jones. Ultrasound now transfers energy from the new type of pacemaker through Jones’ body to the special receiver electrophysiologists placed inside the left ventricle of his heart. The receiver uses ultrasound energy to pace Jones’ heart without using pacing leads. Researchers will monitor Jones for cardiovascular improvement. The study, which is expected to complete enrollment in mid-2020, will include up to 350 randomized participants worldwide.  “This clinical trial is significant,” said Dragutsky. “There are minimal alternatives for patients that are non-responders or who have failed implants. We hope the current study leads to support and approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration so more qualifying patients in our community have access to this promising therapy.” To learn about heart and vascular services at Baptist, visit our cardiovascular page. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page. Learn more about clinical research at Stern Cardiovascular. 

About 735,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. For many people, the thought of returning home from the hospital after a cardiac event is frightening. Some patients report feeling tired, weak or depressed, and most need help creating and managing a healthier lifestyle. Four Baptist Memorial hospitals offer a supportive, outpatient cardiac program, called the Pritikin Intensive Care Rehabilitation Program, which helps patients recover from cardiovascular events or surgery.

Three Pillars of Cardiac Rehab

According to Donna Ray, registered nurse and manager of cardiac rehabilitation at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, the Pritikin program is the gold-standard, follow-up approach to cardiac events. “Our program is built on three pillars: healthy mindset, exercise, and education and nutrition,” said Ray. “We offer cooking workshops where we teach patients different spices to use for flavoring food. We teach patients how to exercise. We also have a social worker who leads healthy mindset workshops with them.” In addition to providing nutrition education, cardiac care plans include rehabilitation that helps patients recover from surgery and manage illnesses. As part of their recovery from cardiac surgery, patients attend three, two-hour-a-day programs spanning 12 weeks.  “They stay with us for two hours,” said Ray. “They exercise for one hour and then they either do the workshop or the cooking school, or they watch an educational video. We try to get patients to commit to a healthier lifestyle. The diet is low fat, low sugar and low salt. It’s also very low on animal protein but does have a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and non-processed food.” According to Ray, unhealthy habits, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and lack of physical activity, can lead to cardiac events. A team of experts helps participants establish a plan to regain physical and emotional wellness starting on day one of the program. “How are you going to maintain that healthy lifestyle? How are we going to change your lifestyle, so you can live healthier and increase your quality of life?” said Ray. “You get stronger through exercise. With an understanding of nutrition and eating healthier, you form a healthy mindset. You wrap your mind around what’s causing it.”

Supportive, Comprehensive Cardiac Rehab Services

Dr. Dharmesh Patel, a cardiologist with the Stern Cardiovascular Foundation, is the medical director for the program at Baptist DeSoto. Trained nurses, a registered dietitian and a social worker help patients set exercise goals and make healthier eating choices that can reduce the risk for future heart problems. Many patients see results within a few weeks. Before welcoming the Pritikin program to Baptist DeSoto, Ray experienced its benefits firsthand. “They put us through the whole program like we were patients,” said Ray. “At the end of the week, we had really decreased our cholesterol, and we lost weight. It was easy to buy into the program because it really worked.”  For Ray, cardiac rehabilitation isn’t just part of her occupation—it hits close to home. “My mother has had stents before, and heart disease is in my mother’s family,” said Ray. “I feel like it is very important to do this. I’ve been a nurse in the Baptist system for a long time, and I’ve always taken care of cardiac patients.” In addition to compassionate care, Baptist’s cardiac rehabilitation program also offers one-on-one counseling with dietitians and pharmacists; access to treadmills, stationary bikes, NuStep cross trainers and an arm-and-hand ergometer; and a support system of cardiovascular patients working toward wellness together. The Pritikin cardiac rehab program is also offered at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City. Learn more about heart and vascular care at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page.

Many people consume fish oil to help with heart, eye and brain health. However, most clinical trials involving fish oil have not proven the supplement benefits patients who are at high risk for heart problems—until now. Researchers involved in the study found a new prescription medicine, called Vascepa, significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular events in people who have heart disease, diabetes and elevated triglyceride levels. To learn more about the study and what it means for patients, we spoke with Dr. Frank McGrew, cardiologist and director of clinical research at the Stern Cardiovascular Foundation.

Understanding the Vascepa Clinical Trial

The REDUCE-IT study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine and followed 8,179 trial participants for almost five years. Participants were already taking statins to control high cholesterol—but their triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, remained high. High levels of triglycerides can harden the arteries and increase the chance of stroke, heart attack and heart disease. “Researchers wanted to learn if prescribing high doses of purified EPA, a fish oil derivative, could improve patient outcomes,” said McGrew. “The difference between Vascepa and regular, over-the-counter fish oil is significant.” While regular grocery store fish oils contain EPA, they also contain saturated fats, impurities and DHA, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. Vascepa does not contain DHA, and its active ingredient is highly purified EPA—also called icosapent ethyl. Trial participants who took Vascepa reduced their risk of heart attack, stroke and other vascular events by 25 percent compared to patients in the placebo group. McGrew suggested these findings could change the guidelines doctors use to treat patients with elevated triglyceride levels. “We've done a lot of research on lipids at the Stern Cardiovascular Foundation,” said McGrew. “This was our first major foray into triglycerides, which are part of the lipid components of the blood. This is probably the biggest advancement in lipid management we've seen in 50 years.”

Managing Triglycerides and Heart Health

About half of Americans (47 percent) have at least one risk factor for heart disease—high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking. However, these aren’t the only indicators of heart health. As the REDUCE-IT trial shows, lowering triglyceride levels can result in reduced cardiovascular events. Certain medications can cause high triglycerides in some patients, while others experience elevated triglyceride levels from eating excess calories. Diet and exercise help lower triglycerides, especially low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets—but sometimes, lifestyle modifications are only half of a patient’s triglyceride management plan. “A healthy lifestyle is very important, but sometimes it’s not enough for everyone,” said McGrew. “When used with diet and exercise, 2 grams of Vascepa twice daily can help lower triglycerides. It’s cost-effective and safe. Side effects, such as joint pain and upset stomach, are quite rare.” Vascepa is currently approved for people who have very high levels of triglycerides. However, it’s important for all patients to maintain healthy triglyceride levels, especially patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of vascular problems or cigarette smoking. “If you have vascular disease or are at risk to develop it, you need to be checked aggressively,” said McGrew. “The majority of people with vascular disease are not treated aggressively enough. But with enough treatment, we can halt the progression of artery blockage, and in many cases, regress it. In other words, we can dramatically lower future stroke and heart attack risk.” To learn more, read the REDUCE-IT clinical study or explore heart and vascular care at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page.

On Jan. 2, 2019, pharmaceutical company Aurobindo Pharma USA announced a recall of its Valsartan-containing blood pressure medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high blood pressure affects nearly 75 million Americans. While many people manage high blood pressure with medication, patients should pay close attention to medication recalls for long-term health and safety. To help answer your questions about the blood pressure medication recall, we sat down with Dr. Arie Szatkowski, board-certified cardiologist with the Stern Cardiovascular Foundation and director of the cardiovascular service line at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.

1. Why is this medication being recalled?

“The recall from Aurobindo Pharma USA cautions health care professionals and patients about a possible cancer-causing impurity—a chemical called N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)—in their Valsartan-containing drugs,” said Szatkowski. The recall includes Amlodipine Valsartan, Valsartan HCTZ and Valsartan tablets. Aurobindo Pharma USA has instructed health care professionals to remove these medications from store shelves. “Some people might wonder how this happened,” said Szatkowski. “And it's not entirely clear. What we do know is that since the 1990s, many generic drug companies began manufacturing drugs outside of the United States. It was less costly to manufacture medications in other countries where laws and regulations might not be as stringent as they are in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration is in the process of looking into exactly how this happened.”

2. Is this the same blood pressure medication recall as last year?

“In July 2018, the FDA discovered potentially cancer-causing agents in blood pressure medications containing Valsartan, Losartan and Irbesartan,” said Szatkowski. “Over the past several months, investigators have recalled dozens of blood pressure medications from multiple manufacturers of these generic drugs.” The recalled drugs are manufactured by companies in China and India. Patients who want to find out if their blood pressure medication is affected by the recall can view the FDA’s list of Valsartan products under recall or the list of Valsartan products not under recall. “The FDA’s list shows all recalled medication batches,” said Szatkowski. “It’s a helpful resource for patients who want to check if a recalled medication matches what's on their medication bottle.”

3. Are there any long-term side effects?

There is a small cancer risk associated with the impurities found in these medications. “The risk of developing cancer is extremely low,” said Szatkowski. “The FDA reviewed the impurities and estimated that if 8,000 people took the highest dose of Valsartan every day for four years, there might be one additional case of cancer in those 8,000 people. The likelihood that this causes a clinical problem is very unlikely and very low.”

4. What should patients do if they’re taking this medication?

If you discover your medication is on a recall list, Szatkowski recommends switching to an alternate medication. “Contact your physician. He or she will determine an alternate medication for you,” said Szatkowski. “However, do not stop taking your recalled medication until you have a new medication. If you stop, you may do yourself much more harm by causing a sudden rise in blood pressure. Similarly, some of these drugs treat congestive heart failure—so you don't want to stop the drug immediately.” Patients can also go to their pharmacy where pharmacists have up-to-date knowledge of all medication recalls. “Your pharmacist is already in the process of getting batches of replacement drugs from manufacturers that don’t have products with impurities,” said Szatkowski. “It's important to not only stop taking your recalled medication but get a safe replacement.” Learn about heart and vascular care at Baptist, including high blood pressure, heart and vascular conditions and early symptoms of a heart attack. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page.

A Path to the Baptist Heart Transplant Program

A Small Decision With a Powerful Impact

Peace of Mind for Mothers and Babies

Support for the DeSoto Community

Determined to Succeed

• Chest discomfort, often in the center of the chest; lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back; can feel like pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain
• Discomfort in one of both arms, back, jaw, stomach, or neck
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Cold sweats
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness

• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Unusual fatigue occurring with activity
• Discomfort during physical activity

• Chest pain
• Cough
• Dental erosions
• Difficulty swallowing
• Changes to voice

• High Resolution Esophageal Manometry to diagnose esophageal muscle problems
• pH testing to diagnose GERD
• EGD to look at tissues and rule out serious issues, such as esophageal cancer
• Free consultations with Heartburn Treatment Nurse Coordinators to discuss GERD, diagnostics, and possible treatment options

• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Heart failure
• Older age
• Having European ancestry
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Chronic kidney disease
• Sleep apnea
• Family history

• Getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
• Working with a doctor to manage high blood pressure
• Quitting smoking
• Eating heart-healthy food
• Consuming caffeine and alcohol in moderation
• Keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level

• Fatigue
• Dizziness and shortness of breath
• Faintness
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Irregular, rapid, or thumping heartbeat
• Sweatiness
• Chest pain

• Packaged and prepared foods are often high in sodium, so compare the nutritional labels before buying.
• Make sure fresh and frozen poultry you purchase does not have broth, saline, or sodium solution included on the packaging.
• Look for canned vegetables that don’t have added salt.
• Compare condiments and look for options that have reduced or lower sodium.
• Use other herbs and spices, like garlic, in place of salt when cooking at home.
• Dry and rinse canned beans and vegetables to remove excess sodium.
• Mix regular and low-sodium foods if you don’t enjoy the taste of completely sodium-free options.
• Increase the amount of potassium in your diet to counteract the affect that sodium has on your body.

• Less fat that forms plaque around your coronary arteries, thus reducing your risk for a heart attack
• Change in blood lipids which reduces cholesterol and fat
• Less chance of blood clots

• If you need a referral in order to see that doctor
• Whether you need to bring your medical records
• If you should bring a list of medications you are currently taking

• What heart condition do I have and how serious is it?
• Is there a cure for my condition? If not, what treatment options are there?
• Is this condition genetic?
• If it is not genetic, are there changes I can make to my lifestyle that can improve it?
• Are there complications that come along with this issue?
• What medication options are there? What are their side effects? How does it interact with other drugs?
• What warning symptoms might be signs of an emergency?
• Do you recommend a specific procedure? How does it work? Will I have to spend time in the hospital? What is the recovery time?
• When should I come in for my next appointment?
• Are there any support groups or informational sessions I can attend to learn more about my condition?

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart or blood vessel diseases
• Arrhythmia
• Dysrhythmia
• Low ejection fraction

• Implementing a heart-healthy diet that is high in fiber, whole grains, low-fat products, poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables
• Avoiding salt and caffeine as much as possible
• Developing an exercise routine after speaking with your cardiologist for personalized recommendations
• Removing all tobacco use

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness
• Persistent sadness, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness
• Easily becoming irritable or restless
• Persistent fatigue
• Change in eating habits
• Difficulty making decisions, remembering details, or focusing
• Loss of interest in things you once found enjoyable
• Thoughts of suicide
• Headaches, cramps, aches, pains, or digestive problems that do not improve with treatment

• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Reducing the amount of alcohol you consume
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Quitting smoking

• Have checkups with his heart specialist as directed
• Take medications prescribed by the doctor
• Visit a family doctor for routine testing