As part of American Heart Month, SIH highlighted how its Prairie Heart Institute cared for a southern Illinois woman, whose primary language is Spanish.
Nelly Sanchez of Willisville had surgery last fall to replace an aortic valve.
SIH Cardiothoracic Surgeon Ricardo Siller said Nelly's untreated heart disease led to heart failure that required open heart surgery to correct.
Translating for Nelly, Dr. Siller said she wants to tell other women how important it is to find a medical team you can count on.
"She found in us a team that explained everything to her, in her language. She felt we really took care of her and we were always checking on her and taking care of her. Her post-operative care was excellent. She would like to say to the community, that they should find a physician they can trust. They should find someone they feel comfortable with and then go out here and proceed."
Nelly has recovered well and is back to her normal activities, including work, with no chest pain or shortness of breath.
American Heart Month is a time to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
