When Mr. Rigoberto Gutierrez suffered cardiac arrest while being treated for a blood clot in his lung, new technology being used by Cook County Health helped stabilize him, allowing doctors to remove the clot and save his life.

In recognition of February, American Heart Month, Cook County Health and elected officials came together to recognize improvements in access to advanced cardiac care and celebrate heart health. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the US, and disproportionately impacts African American men and women.

“Expanding access to high-quality cardiac care is essential to closing the life expectancy gap and advancing health equity in Cook County,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “The Cook County Health cardiology team’s work to enhance treatment options and improve patient outcomes is making a real difference in our communities.”

Nearly 60% of Black adults have some type of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and hypertension; that’s compared to about 49% of all U.S. adults who have some type of CVD.

“Ensuring patients have access to the care they need is critical in reducing those disparities,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Cook County Health CEO. “That means patients should have access to high-quality, advanced cardiac care regardless of their zip code, their insurance, or their immigration status.”

Cook County Health has invested approximately $6M over the last several years to provide new technologies to patients that help patients, including the TAVR procedure and MitraClip™, which help patients with structural heart disease, and the Impella® Device, which provides advanced life support.

“Thanks to investments here at Cook County Health, we have been able to elevate the levels of care we provide to complex procedures and services that would not have been previously available to patients here or anywhere else in the city because of their insurance status,” said Dr. Rami Doukky, Director of Cardiovascular Service Line at Cook County Health.

Mr. Gutierrez was treated with the Impella® Device, which is an artificial heart pump that allowed doctors to stabilize him after his cardiac arrest. After he was cared for in the cardiac intensive care unit, the artificial heart pump was able to be removed and he was able to go home.

“I’ve been given a second opportunity to continue to live, to continue to grow, to watch my grandchildren grow,” Mr. Gutierrez said. “And it’s because of the team here.”

For nearly 200 years, Cook County Health has provided access to high-quality, compassionate health care, regardless of ability to pay, insurance or immigration status. Individuals in need of cardiac services can call 312-864-0200 to make an appointment.