During the Every Beat Counts heart symposium, community members got to speak with AdventHealth's expert team of doctors to learn more about common heart conditions, warning signs and treatment options available in the Sebring area
Event attendees also got to take part in a special panel discussion with Dr. Giancarlo Speziani, Dr. Thomas Shimshak, Dr. Deepti Bhandare and James Leicht, RCIS who are all part of AdventHealth Sebring's expert heart care team
SEBRING, Fla. — This February, as part of heart month, doctors from AdventHealth Sebring are working with the community in the Highlands County area to protect their heart health and understand their care options close to home. It's an effort to reach residents in rural communities who are disproportionally impacted by heart disease.
On Tuesday, February 3, dozens of people attended AdventHealth Sebring’s annual Every Beat Counts Heart Symposium. An expert team of AdventHealth doctors explained common heart conditions, warning signs and treatment options. Community members also experienced interactive education booths to learn how technology is being used locally to diagnose and treat heart disease.
“For many people, heart disease can feel overwhelming,” said Dr. Thomas Shimshak, chair of interventional cardiology at AdventHealth Sebring. “Our goal is to help people understand their risk, recognize symptoms early and know that exceptional whole-person heart care is available here in our community.”
Heart disease is the leading cause of death across the United States and Florida. Data shows rural residents face an even greater risk. According to research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, adults in rural areas are dying at a rate about 1.5 times higher than those living in urban areas. More specifically, we know the deaths in Highlands and Hardee counties are higher than the state average at 147 and 166 out of 100,000 people, according to the Florida Department of Health.
AdventHealth Sebring’s cardiac care team provides heart services designed to reduce barriers to care and keep patients closer to home. AdventHealth’s network of care features the only interventional radiology unit and the only certified heart-and-vascular center in the Heartland.
AdventHealth Sebring is also growing with the community, with leaders announcing plans last month to add more than 100,000 square feet of new clinical space. The changes will increase capacity and enhance heart care services close to where patients live and work. The hospital will also soon have an open-heart program, supported by advanced surgical and diagnostic technology. The expansion is expected to improve access for patients who previously needed to travel outside the region for complex heart procedures and follow‑up care.
The expansion is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2027.
You can find more information about the heart care offered at AdventHealth Sebring by going to AdventHealth Sebring | Premier Sebring Hospital and ER.