Considering herself a healthy and fit 54-year-old woman, Marty Parker had no history of heart disease or hypertension. She even worked out at the gym several times each week.
December 23, 2010, Marty found herself in the emergency room at Saline Memorial Hospital with what she thought to be a severe case of acid reflux.
A troubling CT scan revealed a dissecting descending aorta and she was immediately transferred by ambulance to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock where Dr. Derlis Martino immediately began treatment to prevent a full dissection.
He, also, began to consult a group of doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, a world renowned heart and vascular institute, and eight days later, Marty underwent open heart surgery.
“I am very thankful for Dr. Martino’s knowledge, ability and thoughtful decision making because it saved my life,” says Marty. “I will never go to any other hospital for medical care and I truly feel I would not be here today if not for the superior care of the doctors and nurses at Baptist Hospital.”
Under the care of her current cardiologist, Dr. David Jones, Marty is back to enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle filled with gardening, daily walks and church activities.
Keep on moving. Keep on living. #KeepOnAmazing