Did you know your heart beats approximately 100,000 times per day? That’s about 35 million times a year, which means it’s critical to keep your heart healthy!

When 34-year-old JP was admitted to the hospital for a dental infection that caused a dysfunctional aortic heart valve, he was diagnosed with heart failure and told he would need valve surgery after the infection was cleared up.

JP did not have insurance, but he learned that Barnabas could connect him to medical providers for the needed antibiotics and ongoing care so he could eventually have the life-saving valve surgery. Thanks to specialists that donated their services, JP completed his antibiotic therapy, and had follow-up heart tests. He also received care from a Baptist Health heart specialist and a cardiovascular surgeon who placed a mechanical aortic valve in JP’s heart. His shortness of breath, chest pain, and leg swelling dramatically improved.

JP said his heart is full of thanks and he is grateful for Barnabas’ doctors, donors and service providers who saved his life.