Getting to the heart of cardiac care

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Heart health was the focus at the Community Champions Luncheon, where longtime cardiologist Dr. Kay reflected on how far heart care has come since he began practicing on March 8, 1980 — the day Med Center Health opened.

The event featured survivors like Sterling Borders, whose severe heart blockage was discovered during a routine calcium score and led to a life-saving double bypass surgery.

Ginger Cleary, a heart attack survivor who later had a quadruple bypass, highlighted that heart disease remains the leading killer of women and urged people to listen to their bodies.

Interventional cardiologist Dr. Akbar encouraged attendees to know their calcium scores and consider a Mediterranean diet, which can lower heart disease risk by up to 30%. The importance of acting early became real when an attendee experienced medical issues during the luncheon, prompting doctors to step in immediately.

Organizers say early detection, awareness of symptoms and preventive measures are key to saving lives, a message especially important during American Heart Month.