A Second Chance at Heart Health

Carmen Torres was sidelined by heart trouble—until Englewood Health’s experts helped restore her strength with a cutting-edge valve replacement.

Carmen Torres, originally from Colombia, has called New Jersey home for over 40 years. A mother of five and grandmother to 12, she has spent her recent years traveling across the country to visit her family. But in 2024, Carmen’s health took a turn, requiring her to put her active lifestyle on hold. 

Her longtime cardiologist, Jose Santana, MD, noticed signs of heart trouble during a routine check-up. Concerned, Dr. Santana sent Carmen for additional testing, including cardiac imaging, to better evaluate her heart’s condition. The results revealed that Carmen had tricuspid regurgitation, a condition where the tricuspid valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart.  

Carmen was referred to Ramin Hastings, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart and Valve Program at Englewood Hospital, at just the right time. Dr. Hastings had recently established a groundbreaking new procedure at Englewood Health: transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) using the recently FDA-approved EVOQUE™ valve. Carmen would be among the first at Englewood Health to benefit from this innovative treatment. 

“The tricuspid valve is one of the heart’s key valves, and severe regurgitation can impact a patient’s quality of life with symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath,” explains Dr. Hastings. “The TTVR procedure allows us to replace the valve using a minimally invasive approach through the groin, avoiding open-heart surgery. For patients like Carmen, this technology provides a safe and effective option to restore normal heart function and improve their overall health.” 

On October 1, Carmen underwent a successful TTVR procedure at Englewood Health. “When I arrived, I wasn’t in good shape,” Carmen remembers. “But Dr. Hastings and his team gave me incredible care. They treated me like family and prepared me for the procedure step by step.” 

By October 5, Carmen was discharged. “I left walking on my own,” she says with pride. “Everyone at Englewood—from the nurses and doctors to the cardiac rehab team—treated me with such kindness. They are truly committed to their work, and I will always have them in my prayers.” 

Today, Carmen is thriving in cardiac rehab three times a week. “I feel stronger every day,” she says. “Dr. Santana told me this was the best place for my recovery, and he was absolutely right. Englewood Health isn’t just a hospital—it’s a place where people truly care about you.” 

Carmen’s daughters, who stayed by her side throughout the entire process, agree. “They said, ‘Mom, this is the best hospital you’ve ever been in.’ And I know they’re right. Englewood Health gave me back my life, and I’ll always be grateful.”

Posted February 6, 2025