Health care
BY CHLOE YOUNG
As the prevalence of cardiovascular disease rises in the United States, Heart Hospital of Austin, a St. David’s HealthCare facility, is providing advanced cardiac care to patients across Texas and beyond. Roberto Lozano, a 55-year-old El Paso resident, underwent surgery to receive a left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, through the hospital earlier this year. Months after his surgery, his providers are continuing to monitor Lozano’s progress from hundreds of miles away. Millions of U.S. adults are expected to develop cardiovascular disease in the coming decades, according to a recent study from the American Heart Association. Dr. Jerome Thomas, a cardiologist at Heart Hospital of Austin and Austin Heart, said he has seen a recent increase in patients developing cardiovascular disease. Hospital furthers cardiac care
Put in perspective
A LVAD is often recommended once all other options have been explored, Thomas said. Lozano’s wife, Beatrice Lozano, said the couple decided to move forward with an LVAD as a faster and easier treatment option. With no options for this type of cardiac care in the El Paso area, the cou- ple traveled hundreds of miles to Heart Hospital of Austin, where Thomas assisted Lozano in receiving an LVAD in February. After Lozano returned home to El Paso, hospital staff met with local firefighters and paramedics to educate them on how to care for Lozano’s LVAD, which must have access to power at all times. Thomas also visited El Paso to meet with Lozano’s referring cardiologist.
In November, Lozano visited the emergency room in El Paso after he developed a cough and experienced loss of breath as well as fatigue. Despite not previously having any known heart issues, Lozano was diagnosed with pneumonia and a weak heart, which required him to undergo surgery to receive a pacemaker. Lozano’s condition worsened in the following weeks. As he began to experience advanced heart failure, doctors provided him with two options—to undergo open-heart surgery or receive an LVAD. The LVAD mechanically pumps blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Two batteries pow- ering the device are worn outside of the body and connect to the LVAD through a small opening in the skin on a patient’s abdomen.
The impact
Keep in mind
Months after receiving the device, Lozano has more color, energy and has begun to smile again, Thomas said. Beatrice Lozano said her husband, who previously struggled to get out of bed, has regained the ability to walk, climb the stairs and participate in activities like cutting the grass. The couple has recently spent time taking care of their grandchildren, she said. “Our level of commitment goes beyond the four walls here,” Thomas said. “We are committed to going above and beyond to make sure that our patients do really well.”
From 2020 to 2050 (in U.S. adults)
• Managing stress • Not ignoring symptoms Cardiovascular disease can be prevented by:
Cardiovascular disease: expected to rise from 11.3% to 15% Hypertension: expected to rise from 51.2% to 61%
• Scheduling follow-up appointments and routine evaluations • Maintaining a healthy weight
By 2050 (in U.S. adults)
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease include:
45 million will have clinical cardiovascular disease
• Shortness of breath • Chest pain
• High blood pressure • Elevated blood sugar
184 million will have hypertension
SOURCE: AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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