LCMHS Nationally Recognized for Commitment to Improve Valvular Heart Disease Outcomes

Lake Charles Memorial Health System has been recognized by the American Heart Association for achieving the Target: Aortic Stenosis™ Honor Roll award through its commitment to improving care for this undertreated heart valve disease.

Facilities participating in this initiative receive the Honor Roll award by treating patients with a class I indication for aortic valve replacement according to current guidelines within 90 days, with either surgery or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Lake Charles Memorial’s TAVR program began in 2018 under the leadership of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. J. Gregory Lugo and Interventional Cardiologists, Dr. Edward Bergen and Dr. Christopher Thompson.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most common and serious heart valve disease problems; however, many patients are unaware or undiagnosed. More than 1.7 million Americans over age 65 have severe aortic stenosis, and without valve replacement, as few as half survive beyond two years.[1] 

The American Heart Association launched the Target: Aortic Stenosis initiative to improve patient outcomes, starting at symptom onset and diagnosis through timely and appropriate treatment. The program consists of evidence-based measure development to better identify and treat patients, as well as multi-media educational resources for patients and health care professionals.

“The longer aortic stenosis patients wait for treatment and evaluation, the probability of disease progression, hospital admission and mortality increases,” said Dr. J. Gregory Lugo, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon at Lake Charles Memorial Health System. “This program helps to optimize treatment pathways and bring together the patient, caregivers, and providers. We are proud to be recognized for our team’s dedication to improving heart valve disease care and treatment for those within our community,” stated Misty Theriot, RN, Valve Clinic Coordinator at Lake Charles Memorial Health System.

Learn more about the Target: AS Initiative at: www.heart.org/TargetAS and Lake Charles Memorial’s TAVR program and team at lcmh.com/tavr.

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.