Heart & Vascular Care

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most commonly treated arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm in the nation. This condition is more likely to develop as we age, and it’s estimated that 12.1 million people in the United States will have AFib in 2030 (CDC).

Community Heart Watch is proud to announce that its new CPR and AED mobile training unit will begin serving Fairfield, Hocking and Perry counties beginning this spring. The mobile training unit is a 14’ trailer equipped with CPR manikins and AED training devices. Throughout the year, Community Heart Watch members will bring the unit to various community events to provide hands-on training for CPR and AED use.

Fairfield Medical Center hosted a special reunion at FMC’s River Valley Campus. During the event, three recovered cardiac patients were given the opportunity to share a heartfelt “thank you” with the caregivers who not only made a difference in their lives, but who made their survival and recovery possible.

A State Highway Patrol Trooper was posthumously honored with a Great Save Award from Community Heart Watch after he helped save the life of a person who suffered cardiac arrest while driving.

The Lancaster Fire Department, Fairfield Medical Center and Community Heart Watch recently came together at Deb’s Corner Café in Lancaster to recognize a staff member from the restaurant whose quick action helped save a life.

Surviving a heart scare often marks the start of a new, health-focused lifestyle. For many, it’s a realization that can feel overwhelming. This was certainly true for Keith Garrett, now 57, of Lancaster. Hours after experiencing a cardiac event and receiving care at Fairfield Medical Center, Keith found himself wondering what his future might look like. Fortunately for him, his doctor instructed him to enroll in FMC’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in the coming weeks.

Fairfield Medical Center’s Community Heart Watch Committee is the recipient of a $5,000 grant from the PulsePoint Foundation, money that will be used to purchase AEDs (automated external defibrillators) for public safety staff and the community.

Fairfield Medical Center and Community Heart Watch – a committee dedicated to raising awareness and improving survival rates of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) – recently received a $9,950 grant from the Fairfield County Foundation that will be used for education and the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the community.

Bystander intervention from neighbors, strangers and friends can double or triple the chance of a cardiac arrest victim’s survival. Unfortunately, emergency situations can inspire fear – and fear can make us freeze. Being aware, prepared and armed with the knowledge to intervene can give you the courage you need to save a life.

In a year full of challenges and tribulations, heart attack survivor Dale Richardson and his girlfriend Merri found comfort in two simple realizations: Miracles are possible, and the world is full of kind people.

The Lancaster Fire Department, Fairfield Medical Center and FMC Community Heart Watch came together during Festival Fair Day on July 24 to recognize a local teenager whose quick action helped save the life of his grandmother.

In today’s world, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction, but it’s important to know which is which – especially when it comes to heart health. Learn more about common (and misleading) blood pressure myths.

On April 27, Fairfield Medical Center and the Community Heart Watch committee recognized seven Lancaster City Schools staff members for their lifesaving actions during a medical emergency in January 2021.

Winter can be tough on all of us, but did you know the chilly temperatures can also affect your heart? Learn more about seasonal risks to your cardiovascular health.

In 2019, David Mast noticed he had less energy than he used to. The Structural Heart Team at FMC quickly determined he was suffering from aortic stenosis – and they made a plan to fix it. Learn more about the symptoms of aortic stenosis and valve disease treatment.

The thought of preventing heart disease might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Making simple, healthy choices in your day-to-day life can go a long way towards improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk factors.

As 2020 drew to a close, STEMI Coordinator Deserae “Des” Belcher, RN, recruited the help of leadership to honor and thank the departments essential to providing such outstanding cardiac care: the Cath Lab, Emergency Department and Open-Heart Teams.

Your blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI and blood sugar all play important roles in your cardiovascular health. If you don’t know your critical numbers, talk to your primary care provider: it might be time for a check-up.

Recently, members of Fairfield Medical Center’s cardiac and emergency response team hit the road to honor some of their greatest teammates in the region: first responders.

Learn more about FMC’s innovative valve replacement technology and what it means for the community.

Sudden cardiac arrest survivor Scott Hardwick nearly died multiple times in one day, but the quick thinking and action of his caregivers saved his life.

Robert “Bob” Jones recently became the first patient at Fairfield Medical Center to be treated with the TAVR procedure, an innovative alternative to open-heart surgery.

A small heart pump and a skilled team of caregivers at FMC saved Delbert Buck’s life following a sudden heart attack.

When Lisa Lipka needed surgery to remove a large cyst near her heart, her FMC cardiovascular team was there to ease her concerns and help her heal.

Following a heart transplant, Tim Graham turned to FMC’s Heart & Lung Fund for cardiac rehab assistance.

Dialysis treatment left Julie Lindsey feeling self-conscious about the access site on her arm. She was told nothing could be done – until she sought a second opinion at FMC.

Chuck Snider, a long-time resident of the greater Toledo area, is no stranger to the Lancaster community. “I grew up here, and I graduated from Berne Union High School,” he shared. “To come back and see Fairfield Medical Center after all this time has been incredible; it’s an excellent hospital.”

When Afib threatened to keep Jay Truesdell from his passion, FMC got him back on track.