"Dr. Jara assured me that if I needed anything that evening, the cardiac team was prepared," said Ruiter. "I've known people who had to go to Miami in the past. I'm glad that Lower Keys Medical Center was able to manage my needs here in Key West."
Michael Ruiter was lifting weights at his gym in Key West when he realized something wasn't right — he was experiencing symptoms consistent with a heart attack. Ruiter was transported from an urgent care to the Lower Keys Medical Center where he was evaluated in the ER, stabilized, admitted to the ICU and scheduled for a procedure the next morning.
"Michael's case was like many that we see here at Lower Keys Medical Center — he was suffering a serious cardiac event that required immediate attention," said Dr. Cesar Jara, interventional cardiologist at Lower Keys Medical Center. "We have a cardiac catheterization lab with a team on call 24/7 led by an interventional cardiologist that can perform coronary interventions at our hospital."
Ruiter had a cardiac catheterization procedure by radial approach and a stent procedure. Within a week, he was cleared for normal activity, including his work as owner of Ocean Wellness Spa and Salon.
"Dr. Jara assured me that if I needed anything that evening, the cardiac team was prepared," said Ruiter. "I've known people who had to go to Miami in the past. I'm glad that Lower Keys Medical Center was able to manage my needs here in Key West."
LKMC's capabilities include treatment for a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a type of heart attack characterized by a complete blockage of a coronary artery. Since 24/7 coverage became available, cardiac-related transfers out of Key West have decreased from an average of 20 per month to seven per month.
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