Lucina Hernandez was expecting her second child when she began experiencing severe pain in her chest. She had developed acute heart failure related to lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, and needed an emergency C-section. “We take care of some of the sickest heart failure patients and Lucina’s condition was particularly serious. As a doctor and mother myself, I knew I needed to do everything in my power to help her,” said Dr. Nataliya Pyslar, cardiologist and Director of Cardiology Consultation Services at the Cook County Health and Hospitals System’s John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital.  “Caring for patients is so much more than running a test and writing a prescription. You have to hold their hand, share their emotions and empower them. Watching a patient recover and resume their life is the most rewarding experience.”

Today, Mrs. Hernandez’s heart condition is well controlled and she and her family are thriving. U.S. News and World Report recognized Stroger Hospital with its highest rating for heart failure care in their annual Best Hospital rankings. The 450-bed facility is the flagship hospital of the Cook County Health & Hospitals System. “With extensive clinical expertise and access to the most modern medical technology, the Stroger Hospital team has demonstrated their exceptional ability to care for those suffering from advanced forms of heart failure,” said Dr. Jay Shannon, CEO, CCHHS. U.S. News evaluates hospital performance in heart failure using patient survival data and a variety of other factors related to care.