As the new year begins, many of us focus on healthier habits—more movement, better nutrition and renewed attention to our wellbeing. But few resolutions are more important than taking care of your heart. At Adventist Health Simi Valley, that commitment to heart health has never been stronger. Over the past year, the hospital has introduced groundbreaking technology, expanded treatment options and achieved national recognition for life-saving excellence—ensuring that local patients can access leading-edge cardiac care close to home.
Innovation That Saves Lives
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but advances in cardiovascular care are changing what’s possible. At Adventist Health Simi Valley, investments in innovation are transforming outcomes for patients every day.
The hospital’s state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab—known as the “cath lab”—is at the heart of these advancements. Here, cardiologists perform complex procedures to open blocked arteries, restore blood flow and help patients avoid open-heart surgery. This past year, the lab added new technologies that are reshaping recovery and redefining hope.
One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of the pulse field ablation (PFA), a next-generation approach to treating atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of Americans. Unlike traditional methods that use heat or freezing to correct abnormal electrical signals, PFA uses pulsed-field energy to precisely target the tissue responsible for the arrhythmia while minimizing damage to surrounding areas. The result: faster procedures, shorter recovery times and less discomfort for patients.
“This is truly the future of arrhythmia treatment,” says Cath Lab Medical Director Dr. Thanh Nguyen. “We’re able to perform these procedures more efficiently and with greater safety, giving patients the freedom to get back to living their lives.”
Restoring the Heart’s Strength
For patients experiencing severe heart failure, Adventist Health Simi Valley has also expanded its use of the Impella® heart pump, one of the smallest and most advanced heart-support devices in the world. The device temporarily assists the heart’s pumping function during high-risk interventions or after a heart attack, allowing it to rest and recover.
“We’ve had incredible success using the Impella in patients who might not have survived otherwise,” says Dr. Nguyen. “It’s a powerful reminder that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about giving people more tomorrows.”
One such patient arrived in full cardiac arrest. Within minutes, the cardiac team activated the hospital’s STEMI protocol—a rapid-response process designed for heart attack emergencies. The Impella was placed to support the heart during treatment, and the patient made a remarkable recovery.
Stories like these underscore why Adventist Health Simi Valley was honored with the Get With the Guidelines - Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Gold Award for exceptional heart attack care, placing it among an elite group of hospitals nationwide recognized for meeting the highest standards of speed and outcomes.
Comprehensive Care, Every Step of the Way
What truly sets Adventist Health Simi Valley apart is its full continuum of heart care—from diagnosis and prevention to advanced treatment and rehabilitation.
Patients have access to trusted general cardiologists for ongoing heart health management, a highly specialized cath lab for interventional procedures and a dedicated cardiac rehabilitation program to support recovery and long-term wellness.
“Our patients don’t have to leave Simi Valley to receive world-class heart care,” explains Sari A. Nabulsi, MD, chief medical officer. “Whether it’s preventive care, advanced treatment in our cath lab or guided recovery through cardiac rehab, we’re here for every step of the journey.”
This integrated approach ensures that every patient receives seamless, coordinated care tailored to their unique needs, whether managing chronic heart disease or recovering from a major cardiac event.
A Heart Program Built on Collaboration
Behind every success story is a team of specialists who share a singular focus: saving lives. The hospital’s multidisciplinary approach brings together cardiologists, emergency physicians, nurses and critical-care experts to ensure round-the-clock collaboration. Through this teamwork, patients receive the right intervention at the right moment—a difference that can mean everything when seconds count.
“Every person on our cardiac team plays a vital role,” says President of Adventist Health Simi ValleyAlice Issai. “From the emergency room to the cath lab and ICU[MG1] , their dedication and skill reflect our mission to provide whole-person care—body, mind and spirit.”
Empowering the Community
While technology and expertise define the hospital’s reputation, prevention remains at the heart of its mission. Through community outreach, educational events and partnerships with local organizations, Adventist Health Simi Valley is empowering residents to take control of their heart health before problems arise. Screenings, wellness workshops and primary care connections help people identify risks early and make lifestyle changes that last.
“Our goal is not just to treat heart disease, but to help prevent it,” Issai adds. “When we talk about a fresh start for your heart, that means meeting people wherever they are in their journey and giving them the tools to live healthier, longer lives.”
Looking Ahead
For those who’ve already experienced the team’s life-saving care, that future is personal. For those beginning their heart-health journey, it’s an invitation.
“This is the perfect time to take a proactive step,” says Dr. Nabulsi. “Schedule that check-up, talk to your doctor and make this the year you put your heart first.”
Every day is a new opportunity to start fresh, live fully and trust your heart to the team leading the way in innovation and care.
For more information, visit AdventistHealth.org/Simi-Valley.
“Our goal is not just to treat heart disease, but to help prevent it. When we talk about a fresh start for your heart, that means meeting people wherever they are in their journey and giving them the tools to live healthier, longer lives.”