Pictured, back row, left to right: Luis Hernandez, M.D., FACC; K. John Heilman III, M.D., FACC; Alexander Schabauer, M.D., FSVMB, FACC
Front row, left to right: Megan Hullinger, CNP; Jessica Tvedt, CNP, AGACNP- BC; Audrey Bickerdyke, DNP
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood adequately throughout the body. This condition can be lifelong, but there are exciting developments in heart failure treatment, including new medications, advanced devices and therapies. The team at Monument Health’s Heart and Vascular Institute is well positioned to offer these cutting-edge treatments when appropriate, and provide guidance on the best options for each individual patient.
“Heart failure treatment has advanced so much in about the last seven years and now we are at the forefront of bringing these treatments to South Dakota,” said Luis Hernandez, M.D., FACC, a cardiologist and member of a team specializing in heart failure at Monument Health’s Heart and Vascular Institute.
Because many of these advancements in the treatment of heart failure have been so recent, Dr. Hernandez said that many people don’t realize that some of these treatment options even exist. “My goal is to make sure that our patients are able to return to normal life,” said Dr. Hernandez. “But I tell people this isn’t the heart failure clinic, this is the heart success clinic,” he joked.
Monument Health is committed to making a difference in the lives of the people of this region, a large part of that commitment involves investing in the most cutting-edge medical treatments available. Dr. Hernandez said that he loves being able to bring this level of care to the Black Hills region. “I know that the phrase heart failure is scary, but I want our patients to know that they’re not alone. We have treatments. There are ways we can make their lives better.”
353 Fairmont Boulevard
Rapid City, SD 57701