In Butte, Montana, Sheppard’s Candy is more than a sweet shop. 

It is a place people return year after year for a familiar smile, a warm welcome, and the handcrafted treats that Ron and Mary Gallardo have made for decades.

So, when the doors unexpectedly closed last summer, the community knew something serious had happened.

Ron Gallardo had experienced a sudden and dangerous decline in his health. 

It was discovered that his heart was failing because of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, a rare condition where a small weak spot near the main artery of the heart begins to bulge. Over time it can strain the heart because blood isn’t flowing normally.

As Gallardo's condition worsened, caregivers at Intermountain Health St. James Hospital moved quickly. 

Intermountain Health cardiologist Carlos Albrecht, MD, coordinated Gallardo's evaluation, ensured he received an immediate appointment in Missoula, and arranged urgent Life Flight transport for the open-heart procedure that saved his life.

“When they told us how rare it was, we realized how close we came,” Mary Gallardo said. “Everything happened so fast. It really was a Hail Mary.”

After 24 days in the hospital, Ron returned home, grateful but changed.

“I was in the worst shape of my adult life,” he said. “Taking a shower felt like running a marathon.”

The turning point came when he enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation at Intermountain Health St. James Hospital.

Intermountain Health cardiac rehab specialist Kristin Johnson remembers Gallardo's first day well.

“He walked in with a smile even though he was exhausted,” Johnson said. “He showed up ready to work, and we met him where he was.”

Cardiovascular rehabilitation is designed for people recovering from heart surgery or heart failure. 

The program includes 36 monitored sessions tailored to each patient’s health and goals. Participants rebuild strength under continuous heart monitoring, learn how to safely increase activity, and gain confidence in what their bodies can do again.

“A lot of people come in scared, and understandably so,” Johnson said. “Our job is to help them take that fear and turn it into strength.”

For Gallardo, that reassurance mattered.

“The fear of overdoing it is real,” he said. “Having that monitor and a team who knows your limits gives you confidence to keep going.”

The Intermountain Health St. James Hospital cardiac rehab team focuses on progress, not perfection.

“We are not training for a marathon,” Johnson said. “We are training for everyday life. Things like walking up the stairs, carrying groceries, or opening the candy shop again. We celebrate every step.”

Across weeks of steady work, Ron felt his strength return. He moved from short walks to longer routes. He traded fear for confidence. Mary walked beside him every day, encouraging each mile, no matter how small.

Eventually, the kettles at Shepard’s Candy started stirring again.

“After the surgery, I could not walk to the end of the house,” he said. “Yesterday, six months later, we walked almost two miles.”

Mary Gallardo called the transformation nothing short of miraculous.

“It is amazing what the human body can do and having the right team can help you do,” she said.

Today, Ron is back in the kitchen lifting, mixing and creating the sweets generations of Butte families love. The doors to Shepard’s Candy are open again, and customers once more walk into the smell of caramel, chocolate, and nougat.

“To be able to come back to the store, that is the ultimate success,” Ron said.

Today, the Gallardos are back to doing what they love, together, thanks to the trusted support of the heart team at Intermountain St. James Hospital.

“If you have questions about your heart health, talk with your primary care provider and make sure you know your numbers,” said Johnson. “Small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.”

To schedule an appointment with your primary care provider, contact Intermountain St. James Hospital at 406-723-2500.

Desarom Teso MD, a vascular surgeon with Intermountain Health, knows that when patients come to see him, they may have life- or limb-saving decisions to make.

Dr. Teso is an expert in identifying and treating conditions affecting arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels—the network responsible for circulating blood and fluids throughout the body to keep it functioning.

When something impedes that movement, Dr. Teso understands the potential gravity of the situation. His philosophy in those moments is to provide the right education and guidance so together he and his patients can make the best decisions.

“I strive to treat each patient as a family member and to guide them throughout their journey to healing,” Dr. Teso said.

This month Dr. Teso and Intermountain Health opened the Intermountain Health Lafayette Vascular Surgery Clinic. The clinic is located at 340 Exempla Circle in Lafayette on the campus of Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. Previously, he worked at Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, and at Columbia Network Vascular Surgery in Vancouver, Wash. 

Dr. Teso delivers comprehensive, high-quality care for individuals with arterial and venous disorders, including arterial occlusive disease, aneurysmal disease, varicose veins, vascular trauma, dialysis access, deep vein thrombosis, and leg swelling. 

The practice ensures prompt appointments, utilizes advanced diagnostic tools, and provides a complete range of treatment options from minimally invasive techniques to complex surgical procedures.

Dr. Teso, a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon with over 15 years of experience, serves as the program's site lead surgeon. His expertise includes limb preservation and complex aneurysm repair. Dr. Teso is fluent in both Lao and English.

Tej Singh, MD, Intermountain Health’s regional medical director for Vascular Services and Cardiovascular Services in Western Colorado, supports the program. Dr. Singh is dual board-certified in vascular and general surgery and focuses on carotid, aortic, and venous diseases.

The vascular clinic is fully staffed with specialized and mid-level caregivers, a vascular laboratory, operating room and endovascular suite, and advanced vascular and wound care services.

“This team just achieved Vascular Verification status at Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, making it the first community-based hospital in America to receive verification by the American College of Surgeons and the Society for Vascular Surgery,” said Dr. Singh. “We are excited to expand our expertise and bring that same level of quality, service, and the esteemed reputation for excellent patient care to vascular patients on the Front Range.”

For more information about the Intermountain Health Lafayette Vascular Surgery Clinic, please call 303-272-0500.

Intermountain Cedar City Hospital invites the community to its first-ever Med Talk with Intermountain Cedar City Hospital, an informative and engaging health event designed to bring patients and medical professionals together.

The first event in the series takes place on Thursday, June 26, from 6-7 p.m. in the Northfield Classroom at Cedar City Hospital (1303 N. Main Street, Cedar City, Utah). 

Ryan Workman, MD, a member of the hospital's medical staff, will speak about the Intracept Ablation Procedure - a minimally invasive technique to treat chronic low back pain. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how this innovative procedure can improve quality of life for those suffering from persistent back pain. The session will include a discussion of the science behind the procedure, its benefits, and who may be a candidate for the treatment. A Q&A session will follow.

Jamison Robinett, president of Intermountain Cedar City Hospital, emphasizes the significance of the event.

“We are very excited to launch this new speaking series, where members of our medical staff will share valuable insights on pertinent healthcare topics. We look forward to offering these educational opportunities to the community as part of our commitment to helping people live the healthiest lives possible by ensuring patients have access to the best possible care,” he said

This event underscores Intermountain Cedar City Hospital’s commitment to advancing healthcare education and providing patients with access to the latest medical treatments.

To RSVP, please fill out the information at the following link.  

Learn more about Intermountain Health at intermountainhealthcare.org. 

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February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and the importance of recognizing the symptoms of heart attacks and heart disease. This is especially crucial for women, as their symptoms can often present differently than those in men. Understanding these differences can be lifesaving, say heart experts at Intermountain Health. 

A good example of that is Sara Lubke, 32, of Billings, Montana. 

It was early January this year, when Lubke began experiencing chest pain while exercising at home. Initially, she thought the seemingly minor symptoms would go away. 

"I thought it was low blood sugar, but it kept hurting," she recalls. 

The pain persisted and spread to her neck, jaw, and shoulders. Despite her young age and lack of family history or previous indications of heart issues, Lubke was having a heart attack. 

After researching her symptoms online, she made the decision to seek medical help at the Intermountain Health West End Walk-In Clinic in Billings. "I went to the walk-in clinic, and after some initial testing, they told me, ‘You are having a heart attack, and we are sending an ambulance for you," recalled Lubke.  

Lubke was taken to Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital, where doctors discovered a 100% blockage in one of her arteries to her heart and promptly placed a stent, using a catheter device to restore blood flow.  

While she recovers from her life-saving procedure and comes to terms with her unexpected, life-changing event, Lubke is gaining her strength back through cardiac rehabilitation at Intermountain Health. 

Her care team expects her to make a full recovery with no impact on her ability to return to her normal work and daily routines.  

“They expect with my new medications and cardiac rehab, my heart will go back to normal function,” she shared.   

Lubke’s story highlights the importance of recognizing and acting on heart attack symptoms, regardless of age or perceived risk factors. 

For women like Lubke, heart attack symptoms at first can be subtle and may be overlooked. 

According to Intermountain Health heart experts and the American Heart Association, women may experience the following symptoms: 

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest 
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach 
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort 
• Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness 
• Unusual fatigue or weakness 
• Severe indigestion unrelieved by medication 

In addition to knowing the signs, Intermountain heart experts say understanding your risk factors is also important: Weight, age, diet, diabetes, and blood pressure are commonly known risk factors, but studies show that occupation may also play a role in someone’s risk for heart disease. 

Lubke works as an investigator for the State of Montana's Division of Criminal Investigations. 

Studies have found that first responders and law enforcement officers face an increased risk of heart attacks due to the nature of their work. The constant exposure to high-stress situations, irregular sleep patterns, and physical demands can take a toll on their cardiovascular health. 

The average age of a first heart attack for law enforcement officers is significantly lower than that of the general population. Heart specialists at Intermountain Health recommend that those who work in high-stress professions speak with their primary care providers about how that may affect their risks.  

“First, and most importantly, contact your primary care provider and talk openly if you are noticing any changes in your health that may be related to your heart,” shares Carine Basmadjian, MD, a cardiologist at Intermountain Health. “Are you unable to do your normal activities without shortness of breath or excessive fatigue? Do you have any new shoulder, back or abdomen pain when you are exerting yourself? If you have a family history of early heart disease, share that information with your provider as well. And if you are having more serious symptoms or pain, call 911.”   

Raising awareness about heart attack symptoms and the unique risks faced by women and first responders is essential. Preventive measures, such as regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing stress, can help reduce the risk of heart disease.  

“I want people to know that it can actually happen and that it can be very unexpected,” Lubke shared. “I had no family history, and my blood pressure was good. I had no previous indications that it could be something.”  

Kevin Witherspoon, 49, and father of three young daughters has faced not one but two life-threatening heart incidents over the last 18 months, emerging with a strong faith and overwhelming gratitude for those who have cared for him. 

As Intermountain Health observes American Heart Month this February, Witherspoon’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of heart health and the incredible caregivers who support patients on their road to recovery. 

Witherspoon’s health challenges began on July 3, 2023, a day that started like any other, doing household chores and running errands. 

"When I got home, I really didn't feel well. I was disoriented and felt nauseous. I knew something was going on,” said Witherspoon.

His wife, a registered nurse, immediately recognized the severity of the situation and called for an ambulance. 

Witherspoon was experiencing a serious heart attack and a cardiac arrest. He would need to be revived by caregivers 11 times between the ambulance and the hospital. 

"The first couple I do remember because they hurt extremely," he said about the application of the defibrillator. "But after that, I don't remember a thing." 

When he arrived at Intermountain St. Vincent Regional Hospital, he was evaluated immediately, and it was determined that he had two complete blockages of his arteries to his heart.

He underwent a catheter procedure to place stents in his heart and was put on an impella heart pump device to keep his heart functioning, while his body recovered.

Because of the severity of his heart attack and the number of times he needed to be revived, a number of his body’s system were impacted.   

Witherspoon spent nearly a week in the ICU, where he was kept in an induced coma to stabilize his condition. "I woke up almost a full week later," he recalled. "They kept me immobile and alive, really. The care I received from the emergency team, paramedics, ICU staff, and recovery floor was a total team effort. My heart goes out to everybody that was involved in that whole entire day and the care that I got afterwards," he says. 

"Kevin’s heart and body went through a lot during and after his event,” shared Carine Basmadjian, MD, a cardiologist at Intermountain St. Vincent. “We are fortunate to have a great team in place that was able to respond to provide the critical care he needed. From the first responders to the cath lab and the ICU team, our caregivers all worked together to help him survive what could have been a fatal heart attack.” 

After several weeks in the hospital, Witherspoon began his working with the Cardiac Rehab program at Intermountain St. Vincent to regain his strength and mobility. 

"Everybody that works there has had a hand in my recovery," he said. "They're all such wonderful people, giving of their time and care." 

He began a structured cardiac rehabilitation program that included multiple phases. "They start very slow and then work you up, trying to get your strength back and determine how your heart is functioning in response to exercise." 

The program provided Witherspoon with valuable information about diet, exercise, and heart health. "We watched a lot of videos while exercising, and I learned so much about diet, exercise, and the numbers associated with heart conditions," he said. 

After six months in the program, Witherspoon had regained his strength and stamina and was developing healthier habits. “I developed a pretty decent little home gym and continued to record my weight, blood pressure, and exercises every day,” he shared.  

After several months passed, he started to notice some weight gain and was feeling sluggish.  Then, in late August 2024, he woke up in the middle of the night and his heart was racing.  His wife checked his heart rate, which was at 120 beats per minute. They decided to go to the hospital, where Witherspoon was admitted after his heart rate stabilized. 

Tests revealed that Witherspoon had a significant amount of fluid in his body, and further examination showed that his heart wasn’t pumping efficiently. After addressing the issue with the fluid retention in his body, he dropped 20 lbs. His heart team recommended open-heart surgery to perform a bypass. 

This was a lot for him to take in after his first incident, but he had the trust and confidence in his heart team at Intermountain St. Vincent. 

"I put my faith in God, and I put my faith in science. I knew I was getting the best of both worlds,” he said. 

The surgery was successful, and the recovery began immediately, for a second time. "I felt good, sore obviously, but good," he recalled. "The next day, I was already doing laps with a walker. The progress was phenomenal." 

Despite having an open-heart procedure, the second recovery was swift, thanks to his prior experience and the exceptional care he received. "I knew the routine," he said. "Diet, eating, and regular monitoring. The care was fantastic, and they made sure my heart was responding well." 

Witherspoon started the cardiac rehab process all over again but jumped right in with a great attitude "Lynn (physical therapist) came and saw me in the hospital, and I was all about it," he said. "The second time around was as phenomenal as the first, if not even better.” 

Although he was one of the younger members of the cardiac rehab class, he was the veteran of the program encouraging others and sharing his experience.  He has several months left but is determined to get back to even better shape than he was before his heart attack and surgery.  

“Kevin’s faith and spirit are an inspiration,” shared Dr. Basmadjian. “Despite needing a second intervention and surgery, he continues to respond with a positive attitude and determination that have been so important to his continued recovery and health.” 

Witherspoon’s journey has taught him the importance of knowing your family history and living a healthy lifestyle. "A lot can be said about your genes," he advised. "If you don't know a lot about your family history, try to get to know some of that with family members." 

He also emphasized the importance of regular check-ups and making heart health a priority. "It's never too late to start," Witherspoon said. "Eating healthy and exercising becomes more of a lifestyle rather than a burdensome routine." 

Witherspoon’s faith and determination have been key to his resilience. "I want to be around my family," he said. "Seeing my kids grow up, being there for graduations and weddings – that's what keeps me going every day." 

He also shared his admiration for his wife as she has been by his side throughout the journey. "My wife is my angel. She literally saved my life that day of my heart attack and has been my rock through all the days afterwards. I can't say enough about her care and dedication." 

Mary Smith, 74, never imagined that a series of seemingly mild symptoms would lead to a life-changing heart health event. 

Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing heart disease symptoms, especially in women, and the critical role of timely medical intervention. 

“I had a couple of warning signs, but I didn’t recognize them as such because of my age,” Smith said. “I thought maybe I was just slowing down.”  

Smith shared that for months she hadn’t had the stamina and energy to do normal household chores.  

Smith’s more acute symptoms began with what she thought was indigestion and pain on the right side of her chest. One evening the pain was more intense and persisted until the next morning. It was at that point that Smith knew something was more serious. She went to the emergency room at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City where doctors ran tests and quickly determined she was having a heart attack. 

“They said, ‘You’re having a heart attack, and you’re going to get a ride to Billings,’” she recounted. 

She was flown by helicopter to Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital, where a whirlwind of activity awaited her. 

Upon arrival at Intermountain St. Vincent Regional Hospital, Smith was whisked into the cardiac cath lab for immediate treatment. 

“It was interesting because you’re not completely under," she said of the cardiac catheter procedure. 

The medical team worked efficiently, inserting a stent into her artery to restore blood flow to her heart. Her husband arrived by car in Billings by the time she had finished the procedure and was waiting for her in the recovery room. 

After returning to Miles City, Smith’s recovery continued with the cardiac rehab team at Holy Rosary. 

“It helped me an awful lot just to get some strength back,” she said. 

The rehab program, combined with nutritional guidance, played a crucial role in her recovery. 

“I lost my appetite for a time, but the nutritionist helped me get back on track,” Smith said. 

“It is so rewarding to work with patients and help them get stronger and back to living again,” said Pam Hurr, RN, a nurse on the cardiac rehab team at Intermountain Holy Rosary.  “Mary was so patient, with the most kind and gentle spirit.  She worked extremely hard when she realized that the fatigue she has been feeling wasn’t normal.” 

Almost six months later, Smith feels stronger than ever. 

“I feel energized and can do normal things again,” she said.  

 “We were so proud of her and all her hard work,” Hurr said. “We were excited and celebrated when she had a recent echocardiogram, and it showed so much improvement in her heart function.” 

Smith’s story and recovery highlight the importance of recognizing heart disease symptoms, especially in women. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, responsible for about 1 in every 5 female deaths. Despite its prevalence, many women do not recognize the symptoms, which can differ from those experienced by men. 

While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women, women are more likely to experience other symptoms such as: 

• Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or upper stomach pain 
• Shortness of breath 
• Pain in one or both arms 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Sweating 
• Lightheadedness or dizziness 
• Unusual fatigue 
• Heartburn or indigestion 

Sometimes symptoms can be vague and may occur even when resting or asleep, making them easy to overlook. Physicians recommend that if women are experiencing any symptoms or changes in their health that they reach out to their provider.  

“First, and most importantly, is contact your primary care provider and talk openly if you are noticing any changes in your health that may be related to your heart,” said Carine Basmadjian, MD, a cardiologist at Intermountain Holy Rosary Hospital. “Are you unable to do your normal activities without shortness of breath or excessive fatigue? Do you have any new shoulder, back or abdomen pain when you are exerting yourself? If you have a family history of early heart disease, share that information with your provider as well. And if you are having more serious symptoms or pain, call 911.” 

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Jason Banfield, paramedic and assistant chief of EMS for the Billings Fire Department, knows firsthand the importance of preventative heart health screening. 

With a demanding job and a family history of heart disease, Banfield knew the necessity of early detection and proactive health management. 

Banfield’s family history is a stark reminder of the risks. 

"My dad had his first heart attack when he was younger than me, and I don't have any uncles because they all passed away by age 50 from heart attacks," he shared.  

Beginning at age 45, he sought out options to proactively evaluate and address his risks. 

He was referred to Carine Basmadjian, MD, a cardiologist at Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital. who leads the prevention and risk management program at the hospital and advocates for early screening and intervention.    

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States,” said Dr. Basmadjian. “Often warning signs can go unnoticed, and it is very important for those who have a family history of heart disease or heart attack, or other risk factors to get screened.” 

In addition to other proactive testing options, patients like Banfield are able to undergo coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening.  

This involves a rapid CT scan that measures the buildup of calcified plaque in the arteries of the heart, and is a non-invasive method that can identify individuals at risk for heart disease before symptoms appear, allowing for timely intervention and management. 

A recent study by Intermountain Health researchers found that CAC screening and scores are highly effective in predicting the risk of heart attacks and overall mortality in both women and men.  

In addition to his family history, Banfield also faced an additional risk factor, his profession. 

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), face significantly higher health risks due to the nature of their work. 

These professionals are often exposed to high-stress situations, dangerous environments, and irregular work hours, all of which contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, half of all in-the-line-of-duty deaths among firefighters are the result of a heart attack.   

As a leader in the department and because of his personal experience, Banfield has advocated for health and wellness, partnering with Dr. Basmadjian to bring education and information about screening to his fellow first responders.   

“It's super important that we watch our diet, exercise, and mental health but also know our CAC score and other risks,” he said. “All those pieces, and any necessary medications or treatments, can push us towards staying healthy as long as we can and hopefully enjoying a long retirement.” 

“By identifying those who may be at high risk before they have any negative health impacts, we are able to manage their risks through lifestyle changes, medication or other less invasive interventions,” said Dr. Basmadjian. “I am proud to work with Jason to reach out to first responders to keep them healthy and allow them to continue to serve our community.” 

Intermountain Health encourages individuals, especially those with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, to prioritize their heart health. 

Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or contact the Intermountain Health Prevention and Risk Management Clinic to learn more about your risk and how to mitigate it. For more information, please visit svh.org/heart or call 406-237-5001. 

During American Heart Month in February, Intermountain Health is proud to partner with the YMCA and Q2 to offer free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Billings Family YMCA, Wednesday, Feb. 19: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. 

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February is American Heart Month and heart experts at Intermountain Health are helping educate residents about the signs of a heart attack and how to help someone experiencing cardiac arrest. 

Unlike what is often depicted on TV, the symptoms of a heart attack aren’t always sudden overwhelming heavy pounding chest pains, and symptoms can vary widely between men and women. 

“Men have more identifiable symptoms, like chest pain, jaw pain, or arm pain,” explained Raelene Mulcahy, cardiovascular program coordinator at Intermountain Health St. James Hospital. “Women are a little more subtle with things like stomach or back pain. These different symptoms, along with the sudden onset, results in heart disease being the leading cause of death for both men and women.” 

For many people, symptoms of a heart attack can start out as simple discomfort in the arm or back or shortness of breath, which can last for hours and seem like a common illness. 

For some, symptoms include discomfort in the center of the chest, which may last more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. It may feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. 

Other symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Shortness of breath can happen with or without chest discomfort. Possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, feeling unusually tired, or becoming lightheaded. 

For Ralph Boerner, 73, his symptoms last July started out as shortness of breath while he was doing his normal workout at a local gym. 

“I just thought because it was a bad air day it must have been impacting me a little more than usual,” said Boerner. “So, I went back to my locker to grab my inhaler and that’s when I passed out.” 

Two men, who both happened to work in medicine, rushed over to see what happened, while another gym member called for help. One man is an EMT and the other, Wil Allen, is a nurse in the emergency department at Intermountain Health St. James Hospital in Butte. 

“Ralph was slumped up against the locker and we thought he had passed out, but when we checked his pulse, he didn’t have one,” said Allen. “We immediately began CPR and told someone to call 911.” 

The men took turns doing CPR for more than 10 minutes until a police officer arrived on scene with an automated external defibrillator (AED) in his car. The portable device can shock a heart back into rhythm, and the team used it twice before Boerner’s heart started up again. 

He was rushed to St. James Hospital where doctors opened four blockages in his arteries. Boerner says he’s amazed he didn’t suffer any brain damage considering how long the ordeal lasted. 

“I can’t believe I was able to recover the way I did after weeks in the hospital and I was able to go back to the gym shortly afterwards,” said Boerner. “I’m just so thankful for the people who helped keep me alive.” 

A heart attack occurs when blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. This happens because the arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly narrow from a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. 

Doing CPR helps keep blood flowing through the body and brain which not only helps save someone but can prevent long term damage to vital organs. 

Mulcahy says stories like these highlight the importance of knowing CPR to save lives. 

She also hopes this will encourage more businesses and public locations to keep an AED on hand.

“People don’t have to be a medical professional to save a life in an emergency,” said Mulcahy. “Knowing how to do CPR and when to use an AED can make all the difference.” 

For more information about heart programs at Intermountain Health St. James Hospital, click here.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading killer in the U.S., and at least six in 10 U.S. adults (61%), more than 184 million people, are expected to have some type of CVD by 2050, according to recent projections from the American Heart Association. That is why the Association launched a new, lifesaving public awareness campaign in Colorado to help residents reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke. Sponsored by Intermountain Health, the proud local Live Fierce. Reduce Your Risk. sponsor, Colorado’s “Cherish Your Heartbeat” campaign will encourage everyone to take control of their heart health by learning their key health numbers and working with a health care professional to create a treatment plan.

The Live Fierce. Reduce Your Risk. “Cherish Your Heartbeat” campaign will launch on Feb. 7, 2025, at Heart Health Fairs at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver and St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction on National Wear Red Day. These free community events will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the main lobby of each hospital. They will feature heart health education and hands-only CPR, cardiac rehabilitation information, and blood pressure checks. Saint Joseph Hospital is located at 1375 E. 19^th Ave., Denver. St. Mary’s is at 2635 N. Seventh St., Grand Junction.

As part of the Live Fierce. Reduce Your Risk sponsorship with Intermountain Health, the “Cherish Your Heartbeat” campaign will feature a year-round educational initiative focused on chronic disease prevention, a community conversation with Intermountain Health doctors, blood pressure awareness activities at Heart Walk, and a community CPR and AED readiness campaign.

“Knowledge is power, particularly when it comes to your health. If you know your risk for heart attack or stroke, you can take steps to reduce your risk,” said Ruchika Husa, MD, Intermountain Health cardiologist. “Start today by working with your health care team to understand your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and create a treatment plan that works for you.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease remains the leading cause of death among American adults, yet many risk factors can be prevented and treated. Health care professionals can test for risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, and help patients control or manage their risk for heart disease and stroke. Medication management and health screenings are effective tools in addressing cardiovascular disease risks, alongside establishing and maintaining healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular physical activity and reducing stress.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

About Intermountain Health

Intermountain Health operates multiple clinics and hospitals in Colorado and in five other western states. Intermountain is a not-for-profit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. 

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association, 303-801-4650, Lyndsey.albright@heart.org

Intermountain Health, 970-310-3749, sara.quale@imail.org

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated Intermountain Health in Nevada as a 2024 Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champion for the health system’s efforts to enhance the health of patients by reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

This is the first time any health system has earned this distinction in Nevada. 

"We’re thrilled to earn this important milestone. Intermountain is helping elevate Nevada's quality of healthcare, and this award acknowledges that dedication and impact on our community," said Cara Camiolo, MD, chief medical officer for Intermountain Health in Nevada. "Being the first Nevada Hypertension Control Champion means we can set the standard and continue to raise the bar for essential heart health care."  

The Million Hearts Hypertension Control Challenge recognizes clinicians, practices, and health systems that achieve blood pressure control for at least 80 percent of their patients who have hypertension. Intermountain Health is among 31 other health organizations to receive this distinction in 2024 in the United States.  

“Being recognized as Nevada’s first CDC’s Million Hearts Hypertension Champion is an incredible honor,” said Kristopher Dalton, Director of Clinical Quality in Nevada. “This achievement underscores our commitment to improving heart health and demonstrates the impactful work we are doing to manage and prevent hypertension in our community. This was truly a team effort across primary care, specialty care, and administrative caregivers. This success spans all patient lines of business, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial populations. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of so many of our valley’s residents. 

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, which can result in disability for millions of adults in the United States. Many adults diagnosed with hypertension do not have their condition under control.  

“This is an incredible distinction from the CDC,” said Blake Gardner, MD, senior medical director of the cardiovascular clinical program for Intermountain Health. “Being the first to accomplish this in Nevada makes this honor even more remarkable and is a result of our collaborative, multi-care team approach to manage hypertension with our patients in Nevada. We are proud of the outcome as it makes a clear difference in the lives of our community members.”

Intermountain is committed to reducing hypertension and cardiological risks for all patients in primary and specialty care settings.

"Our standard is to do a second blood pressure check on every patient at every visit, not just patients who have an elevated blood pressure when they arrive in clinic,” said Meghan Fitzgibbons, practice director for Intermountain Health in Nevada. “We engage all of our clinical caregivers in this work to ensure every patient gets that recheck before they leave their appointment.” 

Additionally, Intermountain recently launched a specialized hypertension clinic in October 2024 (embedded within the Sunset Cardiology Clinic in Las Vegas).

The clinic was started to provide a home for patient focused treatment plans directed by up-to-date guidelines, with a goal to reduce hypertension hospitalizations. 

This is the second time Million Hearts has recognized an Intermountain Health clinic as a Hypertension Control Champion. In 2019, the Intermountain Moroni Clinic in Utah received the same recognition.  

Multiple southwest Utah clinics have been honored by the Utah Million Hearts Coalition for excellence in blood pressure management and measurement.  

About Million Hearts: Million Hearts® is a national initiative, co-led by CDC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Learn more about Million Hearts Hypertension Control Champions. 

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CUPERTINO, California y SALT LAKE CITY: Intermountain Health, uno de los mejores sistemas de salud nacionales sin fines de lucro, anunció hoy la expansión de su relación con Story Health, una empresa de salud digital que transforma la prestación de la atención de especialidad y aumentará el acceso de los pacientes a la atención cardiológica reconocida a nivel nacional de Intermountain en todo el sistema de salud. 

La expansión es la continuación de un programa piloto exitoso, lanzado en enero de 2023 por Intermountain y Story Health, dedicado a pacientes con un diagnóstico reciente de insuficiencia cardíaca. 

La insuficiencia cardíaca tiene una prevalencia y un costo en crecimiento, que se espera que crezca más del 25 % en 2030, con un costo que se espera que supere la marca de los $30 mil millones. 

Aunque hay grandes desafíos, existe evidencia clara que demuestra que la administración de terapias médicas para este sector de la población puede reducir la morbilidad, disminuir las hospitalizaciones y mejorar la calidad de vida de manera significativa. 

En específico, proporcionar a los pacientes medicamentos optimizados, conocido como Terapia médica dirigida por guías (GDMT, por sus siglas en inglés), mostró un aumento en la expectativa de vida de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca de hasta cinco años y una posibilidad de reducir las hospitalizaciones en un 70 por ciento.

Al usar el programa de Story Health, el cual utiliza un modelo de atención virtual y asincrónico, los pacientes de Intermountain Health inscriptos en el programa piloto experimentaron una mejora clínica significativa, incluso un mayor logro de la optimización de medicamentos (GDMT), con un 80 % de los cambios de medicamentos realizados sin tener que ir a una clínica.

Además, hubo un índice de readmisión muy bajo a lo largo del programa (14,5 % frente a un 18 % de promedio a nivel nacional). 

Los resultados de la implementación incluyeron:

• Altos niveles de participación y pacientes que recomiendan la experiencia, evidenciado por un índice de participación de siete días del 91 % y un Índice de promotor neto (NPS, por sus siglas en inglés) de 86.

• Mejora significativa de los puntajes de calidad de vida, medida por los cuestionarios KCCQ.

• Recuperación de la función cardíaca del 20 % de los pacientes.

• Liberación de un promedio de tres horarios de citas médicas en las clínicas por cada paciente inscripto, lo que aumentó el acceso y mejoró la eficiencia general de la clínica. 

Juntos, Intermountain y Story Health, demostraron que pueden lograr mejores resultados para los pacientes; una importante revelación que prueba el valor de expandir las relaciones y proporciona un modelo para tratar otras condiciones médicas complejas en el futuro.

“Intermountain ha sido por mucho tiempo un pionero en el desarrollo de modelos de atención para tratar poblaciones de pacientes complejos. Sin embargo, debemos seguir cerrando los huecos restantes en la atención para realmente proporcionar el mejor tipo de atención cardiológica posible”, dijo Kaley Graham, directora ejecutiva del galardonado programa clínico cardíaco y vascular de Intermountain Health. “Luego de mostrar resultados exitosos durante el programa piloto, estamos seguros de que Story Health complementa y mejora el trabajo que hacemos en la clínica para tratar condiciones cardíacas en un entorno de pacientes ambulatorios”.

Además de la expansión del programa de insuficiencia cardíaca, la asociación de Intermountain y Story Health se ha expandido para poder incluir a los pacientes hipertensos. 

Lanzado en abril de 2024, el programa piloto de hipertensión pretende aumentar la cantidad de pacientes hipertensos de Intermountain que alcanzan niveles controlados de presión arterial. 

“Con frecuencia, los sistemas de salud enfrentan desafíos a la hora de lograr planes de tratamiento óptimo para pacientes cardiológicos, debido a que dependen de visitas frecuentes a la clínica. Las cuentas no dan los resultados esperados, ni para los pacientes ni para las clínicas; las clínicas solo tienen un determinado número de citas médicas disponibles y visitar la clínica con frecuencia es imposible para muchos pacientes, en especial aquellos que experimentan barreras sociales o se encuentran en lugares rurales”, dijo Tom Stanis, director general y cofundador de Story Health. “El gran alcance y la diversidad de entornos de atención de Intermountain son la prueba perfecta de que, si trabajamos juntos podemos llevar a cabo un programa que tenga un impacto material en los pacientes y mejore la eficiencia clínica”.

Tanto Intermountain como Story Health están comprometidos con la excelencia y eficiencia clínica, y planean continuar midiendo los resultados de la colaboración expandida con el paso del tiempo. Intermountain presentó un afiche con los resultados del programa piloto de insuficiencia cardíaca en el ACC CV Summit que se llevó a cabo en Washington, DC, en febrero de 2024 y fue designado uno de los diez mejores afiches.

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Fit and fabric can make or break a bra. Just ask anyone who wears one. But who would have thought that could influence the medical outcome of open-heart surgery?

Medical professionals have long known the weight of larger breasts can strain the surgical incisions after open heart surgery and sometimes cause it to open. That’s why hospitals give patients a post-surgical bra designed to give support and avoid complications. Common practice is to dress the patients in this bra right after surgery and instruct them to wear it 20 hours a day for six weeks.   

It is not uncommon for women after open heart surgery to be vulnerable to bra-related complications such as pressure injuries and wounds at the incision site if the fit and fabric is not right.   

Cardiac nurses at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital became curious when they cared for several women with larger breasts who were readmitted to the hospital after heart surgery. The women had wounds at their incisions or pressure injuries on their sides when the bras were too small.   

Ultimately, a patient mentioned the unmentionables, letting her caregivers know that the bra she was given was itchy and too small.    

This inspired Saint Joe’s cardiac nurses Lauren Zobec, RN, and Sarah Duart, RN, to learn more and look for a solution.   

“As long as I have been a cardiovascular nurse, we have used the same product. The fabric is scratchy and doesn’t breathe. There is a big elastic band that cut into people’s sides, and the biggest size we had just wasn’t big enough,” Zobec said. Patients get hot and sweaty thanks to hormone imbalances after surgery, and that post-operative bra just didn’t breathe.

“No wonder patients were not wearing them at home and came back in with wounds,” Zobec said. “We found lots of research about wound infections after open heart surgery.”   

That research showed patients indeed reported ill-fitting bras and ditching the bras once they got home because of the fabric.   

Zobec and Duart went bra shopping. They wanted a product that would reduce tension on the wound and have soft, stretchable material to manage swelling and moisture. The bra also needed to be available in larger sizes.   

They found that the right bra does exist. It was designed by a woman for patients after breast surgery.    

“It’s buttery soft, comfortable and supportive,” Zobec said. This new bra has openings on the sides, and it comes in sizes from small to 6XL.   

While no bras were burned, all the former “1970s-style” post-surgical bras were set aside in September 2023 in favor of the new, pink bra, Zobec said. The results: Saint Joe’s has had no post-operative wounds among the 71 female open heart surgery patients since then.    

Zobec said she’s been a cardiac nurse for 18 years and had always used the former product for patients after surgery. Duart, who has worked in other health systems agreed that that bra was the only one offered.    

When they began asking questions, the nurses had support from their leaders and the financial team that monitors supplies costs. The new bra does cost $5 more but will result in better outcomes and savings for the patient if it helps to prevent complications. By significantly reducing the chance for these complications, patients not only are more comfortable, but less prone to readmissions and complications.  

“We’re here to help patients, and I want to get this bra everywhere because it’s important and the right thing to do for these women,” Zobec said. Plus, it’s painful for the patient undergoing treatment to then have wounds and pressure injuries, she added.    

“Open heart surgery is a major thing to go through and to come back (to the hospital) because you didn’t have the right product. ... We just want to help,” Duart said.   

Zobec and Duart have submitted applications to speak at national nursing conferences to share what they have learned in hopes of bringing comfort to other heart patients throughout the country. Ingenuity, innovation, inspiration – two nurses who cared enough to search for solutions for improved patient care.  

Intermountain Health, one of the nation’s premier not-for-profit health systems, today announced an expanded relationship with Story Health, a digital health company transforming specialty care delivery, that will increase patient access to Intermountain’s nationally-recognized cardiology care across the health system. 

The expansion follows a highly successful pilot program launched by Intermountain and Story Health in January 2023 for patients with a new heart failure diagnosis. 

Heart failure is an increasingly prevalent and costly that is expected to grow by more than 25% by 2030, with a price tag that is expected to eclipse the $30 billion mark. 

While there are enormous challenges, clear evidence demonstrates that the management of medical therapies for this population can significantly reduce morbidity, reduce hospitalizations, and improve quality of life. 

Specifically, getting patients on optimized medication, known as guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT), has been shown to increase life expectancy of heart failure patients up to five years and can reduce hospitalizations by more than 70 percent.

Using Story Health’s program, which utilizes a virtual and asynchronous care model, Intermountain Health patients enrolled in the pilot program experienced a significant clinical improvement, including an increase in achieving medication optimization (GDMT) – with 80% of those medication changes handled without a clinic visit.

Additionally, there was a very low readmission rate over the course of the program (14.5% vs. 18% national average). 

Results from the implementation included:

• High engagement levels with patients recommending the experience, as evidenced by a seven-day engagement rate of 91% and an 86 net promoter score (NPS).

• Significant improvement in quality-of-life scores, as measured by KCCQ surveys.

• 20% of patients experienced recovery of heart function.

• The program was able to free up an average of three clinic appointment slots for every enrolled patient, which increased access and improved overall clinic efficiency. 

Together, Intermountain and Story Health demonstrated that they could deliver better patient outcomes – a key insight that both proves the value of expanding the relationship and provides a blueprint for how other complex conditions may be treated in the future.

“Intermountain has long been a leader in developing innovative models of care for treating complex patient populations. However, we need to continue to close remaining gaps in care to truly deliver best-in-class cardiology care,” said Kaley Graham, executive director of Intermountain Health’s award-winning heart and vascular clinical program. “After demonstrating successful results during our pilot program, we are confident Story Health complements and enhances the work we do in the clinic to support cardiac conditions in the outpatient setting.”

In addition to the expansion of the heart failure program, the Intermountain and Story Health partnership has expanded to include patients with hypertension. 

Launched in April 2024, the hypertension pilot aims to improve the number of Intermountain hypertension patients achieving controlled blood pressure levels. 

“Health systems often face challenges achieving optimal treatment plans for cardiology patients because of the reliance on frequent clinic visits. The math doesn’t work for the patients or the clinics - clinics only have so many appointment slots available, and frequent visits aren’t possible for many patients, especially those experiencing social barriers or in rural locations,” said Tom Stanis, chief executive officer and co-founder of Story Health. “Intermountain’s wide reach and diversity of care settings provides the perfect test case to show that, when working together, we can execute a program that drives material patient impacts and improves clinic efficiency.”

Intermountain and Story Health are both committed to clinical excellence and efficiency and are planning to continue measuring the results of the expanded collaboration over time. Intermountain presented a poster with the results from the pilot heart failure program at the ACC CV Summit held in Washington, DC, in February 2024, earning a Top Ten poster designation.

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Two Intermountain Health hospitals have been named Top 50 heart hospitals in the nation for 2024 by Fortune Magazine. 

Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden and Intermountain Medical Center in Murray are ranked as two of the nation’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals for 2024 by Fortune and Pinc AI, which evaluates heart hospitals annually to determine facilities that are excelling in providing high quality, affordable heart care. 

The Fortune and Pinc AI rankings including teaching hospitals with and without cardiovascular residency programs, along with community hospitals. 

This year’s rankings examined 940 hospitals in the United States and assessed their performance based on metrics including clinical outcomes (inpatient deaths and complications, as well as readmission and 30-day mortality rates), operational efficiency (average length of cost and stay), and overall patient experience. 

This is the fourth consecutive year that Intermountain Medical Center has been named to the Fortune Top 50 list, and the first year for Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital. 

“This is a terrific honor to have our efforts to provide the highest-quality heart care to our patients be recognized by Fortune Magazine,” said Eric Lindley, MD, medical director of the cardiovascular program at Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital. “Our goal is to provide the very best heart care to our patients close to home here in Northern Utah. We’re proud to have those efforts recognized nationally. That’s a credit to our entire team.” 

“We’re thrilled to once again be recognized as one of premier heart hospitals in the nation,” said Stephen McKellar, MD, medical director for the cardiovascular program at Intermountain Medical Center. “Our focus is to provide the very best care and treatment options for our patients. The fact that two of our Intermountain hospitals are ranked among the Top 50 hospitals in the nation is a real honor and speaks to our commitment to our patients.” 

The rankings focus on short-term, acute care, nonfederal hospitals that treat a broad spectrum of cardiology patients. Hospitals must provide all levels of cardiovascular care, including open heart surgery, to be included in the study. 

According to the authors of the study, compared to peer hospitals, those in the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals operated at lower cost and had better outcomes, recording significantly higher inpatient survival rates, fewer patients with complications, lower readmission rates and up to nearly $10,000 less in total costs per patient case. 

These outcomes add up to meaningful differences. 

According to the study’s analysis, if all hospitals operated at the level of this year’s top performers, there could be 7,600 fewer deaths due to heart disease, 6,700 fewer bypass and angioplasty patients who suffer complications, and more than $1 billion in inpatient costs could have been saved for the 2024 study year. 

This analysis is based on Medicare patients included in this study. If the same standards were applied to all inpatients, the impact could have been even greater.