Every February, American Heart Month encourages us to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and stroke in ourselves and others. HCA Healthcare is a proud supporter of the American Heart Association (AHA) and works together to educate colleagues, patients, and communities across the country about the risks and warning signs of heart disease and stroke.
why i wear red
During American Heart Month in February, Americans unite in red to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for one in three women each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60 million women in the United States have some form of heart disease. Cardiovascular disease refers to a variety of conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- heart attack
- stroke
- heart failure
- arrhythmia
- heart valve problems
Learn about heart disease symptoms and risk factors and when to call 9-1-1.
In honor of American Heart Month, three HCA Healthcare colleagues discuss how their personal journeys as heart patients have influenced the way they provide care and fueled their passion to advocate for heart health. share.
Surgical service manager inspires by moving forward
HCA Healthcare colleagues support AHA by participating in Heart Walks in hundreds of communities across the country. The Heart Walk is AHA's inaugural event to raise funds to improve and save lives.
In 2023, our colleagues at HCA Healthcare in Nashville demonstrated the power of unity by raising more than $125,000 at the Nashville Heart Walk. This impact of local heart walks is made possible thanks to dedicated volunteers like Jessica Kelley, a registered nurse who serves as manager of surgical services at HCA Healthcare's TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center in Tennessee. I did.
Participation in events such as the Heart Walk is driven by a strong focus on a personal “why.” Jessica fully understood her “why” after experiencing her own health care journey 11 years ago. Her experience allows her to support her colleagues in a more meaningful way because she can empathize with patient care and many of her colleagues' stories.
At age 19, Jessica was shown a scan of her heart with a one-inch hole and was eventually diagnosed with a small birth defect called an atrial septal defect, which required open heart surgery with TriStar. He underwent a series of procedures to repair his heart. Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. “The biggest lesson I learned from her emotional journey was to listen to my body,” Jessica said. “If I hadn't listened to my body when I wasn't getting better, I might not be here now.”
The support Jessica and her family received during this scary time in her life is one of the reasons she pays it forward. Every year since her surgery, Jessica has spearheaded the Heart Walk Team's fundraising efforts, walking alongside her fellow survivors and supporters. “There is nothing more humiliating than having everything taken away from you, even the strength to walk. Providing in this way fills my cup,” said Jessica.
“The most moving part of the Heart Walk for me was meeting all the survivors and their families. I couldn't be more humbled.”
Jessica Kelley, Surgical Services Manager, TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center
Administrative Assistant's path to recovery and protection of rights
As an administrative assistant at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, Alexandria Smith can witness first-hand the high-quality care that her HCA Healthcare colleagues provide to patients. Alexandria herself became an unexpected patient when she suffered a seizure at work in August 2023. Thanks to the quick actions of her colleagues, her 31-year-old mother's life was saved.
“My heart stopped for about five or six seconds at a time,” Alexandria said. Dr. Omar Jeroudi, a cardiologist at a hospital in Pasadena, Texas, recommended that Alexandria wear a heart monitor for 30 days to track her heart data. When Alexandria had her second attack at work while she was wearing her heart monitor, she noticed that her heart had stopped in rare cases. This led to her receiving a rare diagnosis of sinusitis syndrome.
Alexandria underwent a life-changing procedure on October 10, 2023, with the installation of a permanent pacemaker by Dr. Jose Cuellar Silva, a cardiac electrophysiologist at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast.
“Sinusitis syndrome is prevalent in older adults and usually begins around age 70,” said Dr. Cuellar-Silva. “The condition is associated with the natural deterioration of the electrical system as it ages, making it secondary to aging. It is rarely diagnosed in people under 50 and even rarer in people in their 30s. ”
Since her surgery in October, Alexandria has not had a seizure and is now rediscovering the joy of everyday life. “I am now able to enjoy spending time with my family, including my 13-year-old daughter, as well as my family at work at HCA Healthcare,” Alexandria said. “We always talk about caring like family. It's not just something I've seen, it's now something I'm going to experience.”
Despite the rarity of her condition among young people, she is passionate about raising awareness and encouraging everyone to prioritize health screenings.
“I'm wearing red to remind everyone that heart disease can affect anyone, regardless of age or pre-existing conditions.”
Alexandria Smith, HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, Administrative Assistant
A nurse’s journey to educate and empower
Jennifer Harlan, a nurse at HCA Healthcare, proudly wears red during February and all year round because she has had three heart attacks. “I wear red to remind everyone, especially women, that you shouldn't ignore the symptoms of a heart attack,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer treats heart patients every day at affiliated Rose Medical Center Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, but she never thought she would become a patient. She experienced her first heart attack in February 2018 at the age of 47 and lost 30% of her heart function. Her official diagnosis was SCAD (spontaneous coronary artery dissection). This is a rare heart disease that can occur suddenly without any obvious warning signs or prior risk factors. SCAD can slow or block blood flow to the heart, leading to life-threatening heart problems such as a heart attack.
In August 2023, Jennifer suffered a heart attack while at home with her husband. He immediately called her 911 and performed CPR until first responders arrived. “The reason I'm alive now is because her husband is trained in CPR and she immediately started giving her chest compressions,” Jennifer said. “You never know when something like this could happen to a stranger or a loved one.”
Jennifer is now recovering well and is forever grateful to those who saved her life. “I'm wearing red because I'm so grateful to be alive after three heart attacks and cardiac arrest.'' Thank you to all first responders.'' In November 2023, Jennifer had the opportunity to meet the EMTs who saved her life at affiliated Skyridge Medical Center. “I can't thank them enough. They're the reason I'm here today,” she said.
Learn how Jennifer's experience adds a unique layer of compassion and understanding to the care she provides on FOX News.
