Dr. Ananthaneni specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease and heart failure. As a noninvasive cardiologist with a background in internal medicine, she provides patients with comprehensive, compassionate care.

“I want to work on improving the quality of life for patients struggling with heart conditions,” says Dr. Ananthaneni. “I want our patients and their families to feel comfortable and know their heart is safe in our hands.”

Dr. Ananthaneni is highly skilled in performing and interpreting a variety of cardiac diagnostic tests, including, but not limited to, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms (TTE and TEE), stress echocardiograms and nuclear stress tests. She provides both inpatient and outpatient consultations for a broad range of cardiac concerns.

Her extensive training includes a cardiology fellowship at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey, and experience as a Research Fellow at the Mayo Clinic. With this wealth of knowledge and expertise, Dr. Ananthaneni brings advanced cardiac care to Eastern Kentucky and is now accepting new patients.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ananthaneni, please call (606) 430-2201 or visit www.pikevillehospital.org/heart.

Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Silver recognition for its commitment to offering rapid, research-based care to people experiencing a specific type of heart attack known as a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Each year, more than 1 million cases of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) require hospitalization in the U.S., and about 70% of ACS cases are classified as NSTEMI, caused by a complete blockage in a coronary artery.[1],[2]

“The American Heart Association has developed guidelines for a NSTEMI heart attack. These guidelines include specific recommendations for in-hospital care and cardiac rehabilitation post-discharge,” said Abhinav Goyal, M.D., MHS, FACC, FAHA, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Coronary Artery Disease System of Care Advisory Group.

The NSTEMI award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date research-based guidelines for NSTEMI care as outlined by the American Heart Association.

“I am proud to be one of the many experienced and talented cardiologists to take care of the patients with Non-STEMI MI at Pikeville Medical Center, said Dr. Raymon K Nelson, Cardiologist at the Heart and Vascular Institute. “At PMC, we pride ourselves on positively impacting the damaging effects that Non-STEMI (heart attacks) have on the Eastern Kentucky community. Early recognition and treatment of NSTEMI heart attacks at Pikeville Medical Center benefits thousands of patients every year.”

Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Coronary Artery Disease Rural Gold Level Recognition for its commitment to offering rapid, research-based care to people experiencing a specific type of heart attack known as an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), known to be more severe and dangerous than other types of heart attacks.

Each year, more than 1 million cases of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) require hospitalization in the U.S., and about 30% of ACS cases are classified as STEMI, caused by a complete blockage in a coronary artery.^[1] Like all heart attacks, this requires timely treatment to restore blood flow as quickly as possible.

“When someone experiences a STEMI heart attack, American Heart Association guidelines call for specific actions performed in the hospital in a consistent and timely fashion to prevent further myocardial damage and to save lives,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, co-author on the American Heart Association’s presidential advisory on rural health. “Where you live should not determine if you live, and rural communities deserve high-quality cardiac care. Pikeville Medical Center is recognized for consistently providing these patients with the care, guidance and medical therapy they need to give them the best chance of survival.”

The Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease Rural Recognition award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date research-based guidelines for STEMI care as outlined by the American Heart Association.

“We are proud that our team at Pikeville Medical Center is being recognized for the important work we do every day to improve the lives of people in Eastern Kentucky who experience heart attack, giving them the best possible chance of recovery and survival,” said Jamessa Scott, Performance Improvement Nurse Practitioner. “As a hospital in a rural community, we deal with characteristics, such as extended interfacility transportation times and limited staffing resources. We’ve made it a goal to make sure those hurdles do not affect the standard of care our patients receive.”

The award recognizes hospitals for their efforts toward STEMI care excellence demonstrated by composite score compliance with guideline-directed care, including timely electrocardiogram and transfer, aspirin administration, administration of thrombolytic therapy, receptor inhibitor and anticoagulant, and more.

“We set a goal of achieving Gold Status for Rural STEMI Care for PMC this year, and we successfully accomplished it,” said Scott, Performance Improvement Nurse Practitioner. “I am in awe of the team we have here at PMC. This award speaks volumes about the dedication, hard work and commitment every team member brings to the care of some of our sickest patients.”

[1] Akbar H, Foth C, Kahloon RA, Mountfort S. Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; January 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532281/.

The innovative procedure was led by Dr. M. Paul Randhawa, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC. The team of highly specialized experts included interventional cardiologists Dr. Maen Assali and Dr. Joseph Choo, and cardiac anesthesiologist Dr. Joshua Hensley.

Additional key figures in this process included PMC’s perfusionist, the Cardiac Cath Lab team and nursing care teams from the Heart and Vascular Institute. A clinical specialist from AngioDynamics, the company that developed the AngioVac System, also provided important guidance during the planning process.

The patient, who had previously undergone open-heart surgery and was undergoing dialysis, was diagnosed with having an infected mitral valve on the left side of their heart. Typically, this condition requires open-heart surgery, but the patient’s complex medical history put them at too high of a risk for the procedure.

“This patient’s condition was critical, and traditional surgical options were not viable,” said Dr. Randhawa. “Utilizing the AngioVac system allowed us to remove the infection without
subjecting the patient to the risks associated with open-heart surgery.“

The AngioVac system, developed by AngioDynamics, is a vacuum-assisted device designed to remove unwanted material within the heart’s valves. Because the AngioVac is typically used for right-sided heart infections, it is rare and complex for it to be used for left-sided infections, particularly involving the mitral valve. Dr. Randhawa’s team was the first in Kentucky to use the AngioVac system for such a case, proving to be another remarkable accomplishment for the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC.

Every aspect of the procedure, from diagnosis to execution, was coordinated with extraordinary attention to detail, safety, and patient care. The case was extensively reviewed and planned alongside the AngioDynamics clinical team, ensuring all potential outcomes were addressed.

“This case exemplifies PMC’s commitment to providing cutting-edge,  patient-centered care,” said Dr. Randhawa. By leveraging advanced technology and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we can offer life-saving treatments to patients who might otherwise have limited options.”

The Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC is dedicated to delivering comprehensive cardiac care through a team of highly skilled specialists, healthcare professionals, coupled with state-of-the-art technology and advanced medical equipment. This recent achievement is just one example of the institute’s role as a leader in innovative cardiovascular treatments in the region.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Heart and Vascular Institute at (606) 430-2201 or visit www.pikevillehospital.org/heart.

The innovative procedure was led by Dr. M. Paul Randhawa, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC, in collaboration with a highly specialized, multidisciplinary care team. This included interventional cardiologists Dr. Maen Assali and Dr. Joseph Choo, and cardiac anesthesiologist Dr. Joshua Hensley, who guided the procedure with meticulous precision utilizing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Additional key contributors to the success of this complex case included PMC’s perfusionist, the Cardiac Cath Lab team, and nursing care teams from the Heart and Vascular Institute. A clinical specialist from AngioDynamics, the company that developed the AngioVac system, also provided crucial guidance during the planning phase.

The patient, who had previously undergone open-heart surgery and was undergoing dialysis, presented with an infected mitral valve—a condition that typically necessitates open-heart surgery. However, due to the patient’s complex medical history, conventional surgery posed an unacceptably high risk.

“This patient’s condition was critical, and traditional surgical options were not viable,” said Dr. Randhawa. “Utilizing the AngioVac system allowed us to remove the infection without subjecting the patient to the risks associated with open-heart surgery.”

The AngioVac system, developed by AngioDynamics, is a vacuum-assisted device designed to remove unwanted intravascular material. While commonly used for right-sided heart infections, its application in left-sided infections, particularly involving the mitral valve, is rare and complex. This procedure marks the first for such a case in Kentucky, another remarkable feat for the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC.

Dr. Assali emphasized the importance of teamwork in the procedure’s success. “The complexity of accessing the left side of the heart and the patient’s medical condition required meticulous planning and collaboration among our multidisciplinary team,” he said. “Dr. Randhawa’s expertise and experience with the AngioVac system was instrumental in navigating this challenging case.”

Every aspect of the procedure, from diagnosis to execution, was coordinated with extraordinary attention to detail, safety, and patient care. The case was extensively reviewed and planned in consultation with the AngioDynamics clinical team, ensuring all contingencies were addressed.

“This case exemplifies PMC’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, patient-centered care,” said Dr. Randhawa. “By leveraging advanced technology and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we can offer life-saving treatments to patients who might otherwise have limited options.”

The Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC is dedicated to delivering comprehensive cardiac care through a team of highly skilled specialists, healthcare professionals, coupled with state-of-the-art technology and advanced medical equipment. This recent achievement underscores the institute’s role as a leader in innovative cardiovascular treatments in the region.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Heart and Vascular Institute at (606) 430-2201 or visit www.pikevillehospital.org/heart.

“We have achieved Platinum status with the NCDR’s Chest Pain – MI Registry for a fourth consecutive year and nine out of the last 12 years, something we are extremely proud of,” said PMC Senior VP and Chief Quality Officer Melissa Thacker. “This is truly a testament to the dedication of our physicians, nurses and other ancillary teams to ensure our patients
receive quality care, including receiving the right treatment as quickly as possible. We are proud to be our region’s leader in cardiac care.”

To receive the Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Pikeville Medical Center has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain – MI Registry for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality
improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for cardiovascular care since 1949, the ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, changes in heart rate or rhythm or high blood pressure should see a healthcare professional, as these symptoms may indicate a heart condition. Dr. Rodney Handshoe, Dr. Hamid Nawaz, Dr. Raymon Nelson, Dr. Madhava Pally and Dr. Vibha Amblihalli, cardiologists at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC), specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the cardiovascular system. These experienced physicians and their highly trained staff can perform a variety of tests including ECG or EKG, stress tests, echocardiogram and more to diagnose potential heart issues.

Upon the diagnosis of a heart disease or condition, a PMC cardiologist may refer the patient to a cardiac specialist, of which the Heart and Vascular Institute at PMC has twelve. For example, an interventional cardiologist may perform a heart catheterization procedure and place stents to correct blood flow, whereas an electrophysiologist may need to implant a device into the heart to combat a blood clot threat and reduce a patient’s risk of stroke.

PMC cardiologists also treat patients who have previously had a heart attack, heart failure or experienced other heart problems and diseases. Pikevile Medical Center has received prestigious accreditations and awards from many national organizations including the Society of Chest Pain Centers. After a detailed review and on-site survey, PMC was recently awarded a Level IV Accreditation as a Chest Pain Center with PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention.) This highly-acclaimed distinction made PMC one of the first five in the nation, and the first hospital in Kentucky to earn this accreditation.

In addition, the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC has been consistently named one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation in patient safety for Heart Attack Treatment by CareChex. This ranking compares clinical quality, patient safety and performance of acute care hospitals providing this life-saving service.

To learn more about cardiology services offered at PMC, visit pikevillehospital.org/heart.  To schedule an appointment, call 606-430-2201.

Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial for overall well-being and longevity and can quite literally make the difference between life and death. Health officials stress that understanding risk factors and taking preventive measures are essential to minimizing the risk of a heart attack and paving the way for a healthier future.

Heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions, occur when blood flow to a part of the heart becomes blocked. Heart attacks often result from the buildup of cholesterol and other substances which form plaque in the coronary arteries. This buildup leads to the development of clots that block blood flow to the heart muscle. Risk factors include age, family history, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and physical inactivity. Preventive measures include adopting a healthy lifestyle, smoking cessation, regular check-ups and stress management.

In the case of a heart attack, the Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) Emergency Department (ED) and the nationally recognized Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC work together to make the patient experience as seamless and manageable as possible. In recent years, PMC has installed 3 state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization (cath) labs, which has led to more advanced and comprehensive care for heart attack patients. When it comes to a heart attack, time is a vital factor. Strategically placed near the ED, the location of the cath labs lowers the time it takes for patients to access the life-saving care they need.

The Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC offers the expertise of highly trained and experienced Interventional Cardiologists who offer several types of heart attack treatments including angioplasty, stent implantation, various kinds of atherectomy and valvuloplasty.

Pikeville Medical Center is part of a small percentage of hospitals in the United States that can provide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for heart attack treatment. The medical center has been awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for several consecutive years. The accreditation is based on a rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the cardiac cath lab.

In addition, PMC has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline STEMI Receiving Center Bronze recognition for its commitment to offering rapid, research-based care to people experiencing heart attacks known to be more severe and dangerous than other types of heart attacks.

To learn more about services offered at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC, visit https://www.pmcky.org/services/heart-and-vascular-institute/

I was drawn to PMC after seeing the medical center’s state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and feeling the warmth and hospitality of the friendly staff. I devoted many years of my career to working at large urban hospitals. Yet, after visiting PMC in 2016, I knew my next chapter would be in Pikeville, Kentucky.

In a region that experiences high death rates due to heart disease, it has been vital for PMC to invest in comprehensive heart care. What began as a small heart program has blossomed into a multi-service Heart and Vascular Institute that offers the experience, expertise and technology needed to provide comprehensive heart care in Eastern Kentucky. It has been a pleasure to be a part of that growth.”

~~Dermot P. Halpin, MD, FACS, PMC Cardiothoracic Surgeon

“I consider myself fortunate to have been born and raised in Pikeville, a tight-knit community that looks out for and cares for its own. When I left for college and then medical school, I honestly didn’t think I would be able to come back here to practice. Pikeville Medical Center, then known as Pikeville Methodist Hospital, was still a relatively small hospital that offered limited options for cardiac care. I ended up specializing in electrophysiology, a sub-specialty in heart care that is typically only offered in large medical facilities. Little did I know, the hospital was growing faster than anyone ever expected. The growth that occurred in the 15 years between my graduation from Pikeville High School and when I returned to practice electrophysiology here is mind-boggling.

There is no better feeling than caring for the people in the community that I love so dearly. As the years go by, I grow even more proud of the progression and improvements made at the hospital in which I was born. There is a saying here that perfectly captures the drive behind PMC’s growth – “Where you live should not determine IF you live.” I’m not sure who said it first, but I believe those words wholeheartedly and repeat them often to my patients.

I am proud to say I practice medicine at an award-winning medical center in my hometown. Many years ago, the Mountain Parkway that connected Pikeville to Lexington, was a one-way route AWAY from Eastern Kentucky when it came to obtaining specialty healthcare. That is no longer the case.

When it comes to cardiac care, our administration and board of directors have made it a priority to provide the advanced technology and equipment needed to offer quality specialty care and attract experts who are at the top of their field. Today, I am proud to say I am one of them. When we decide to call PMC home, we are given only one instruction – to deliver heart and vascular care that is second to none.

That mentality is what has driven Pikeville Medical Center’s growth over the past 100 years and is what will enable this history-making momentum to continue far into the future.”

~~Chase Reynolds, MD, PMC Electrophysiologist

Cardiac rehabilitation is a vital component of the healing process for patients who have experienced heart-related problems. The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) reports that cardiac rehab patients are nearly 60% less likely to experience a cardiac-related death, which is a reassuring statistic for cardiac patients.

The Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is widely recognized on a state and national level for the advanced technology and experienced group of specialized providers available to treat patients during a cardiac emergency. However, this experienced team of surgeons, specialists and support staff also makes headlines with the care offered to patients during their recovery from a cardiac event.

The Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky was recently notified by the AACVPR that its cardiovascular rehabilitation program had received certification following an extensive review process. AACVPR program certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to specific standards and guidelines.

AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the cardiac rehabilitation field because they have been identified as having proven track records of providing high-quality patient care and meet strict performance measurements which have led to better patient outcomes.

For more information about the cardiac rehabilitation program at Pikeville Medical Center, visit https://www.pmcky.org/heart/cardiac-rehab/, call 606-430-8771 or scan the code provided.