Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, recognizing its place in healthcare history as the first hospital in Arizona exclusively devoted to cardiovascular care.

When Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital opened in 1998 it was one of the first of its type in the U.S., according to a press release. Many of the original nurses and staff are still providing care and support for patients and their loved ones.

Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital is located at 1930 E. Thomas Road, in Phoenix.

The hospital is now a satellite of Glendale’s Abrazo Arrowhead Campus.

Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital physicians have treated patients experiencing heart attacks, valve disease, arrythmia, heart failure and a host of other conditions, often with life-changing results, noted hospital Chief Administrative Officer Nathan Worley.

One of those patients was Marcie Westwater of Phoenix. She hadn’t been feeling well and told her husband to take her to the Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, where she went into cardiopulmonary arrest in the parking lot.

Interventional cardiologist Dr. Akil Loli was on duty and quickly assessed and diagnosed Westwater’s condition. She had suffered a spontaneous coronary artery dissection – a condition that can be fatal if not quickly diagnosed and treated.

“If you have a heart problem, that’s where to go,” Westwater, who now is back to an active life, stated. “I felt like I was getting individualized care, and very nurtured.”

For more information about Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, take a free heart health risk assessment or to find a doctor, visit AbrazoHealth.com.

Many of the original staff are still working at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix, which opened 25 years ago in 1998.

(Photo provided by Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital)