A nurse with a big heart and a life-saving decision

For more than 26 years, Tammy Rogers has dedicated her life to caring for others at Parkridge East Hospital. As a seasoned nurse, she has worked in nearly every department within the hospital and has heart for every patient.

"I became a nurse to take care of people," she shares. “My twin granddaughters were born here, and I was able to assist in their care.”

It’s obvious Tammy has a huge heart, but recently that huge heart needed urgent attention.

Tammy had no troublesome symptoms, no glaring warning signs; however, since her sister passed away from a massive heart attack at the age of 63, Tammy pushed herself to keep her heart health top of mind. 

In 2023, she underwent a calcium scoring test of her heart that indicated possible plaque buildup in the arteries, but nothing of major concern.

What is a calcium scoring test?

A calcium scoring test, also known as a coronary calcium score test, is a specialized computed tomography (CT) scan that measures the amount of calcified plaque in your heart’s arteries. The test is an important tool for early detection and prevention, especially for individuals with risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history or a family history of heart disease.

The test is quick, non-invasive and painless, using advanced imaging to create detailed pictures of the heart. The test assesses heart health and determines whether lifestyle changes, medications or further testing is needed to prevent serious heart conditions.

Learn more about the test and other heart screenings available through Parkridge Health System.

It was a second calcium scoring test at Parkridge East Hospital in 2024 that ultimately saved her life.

In one year between the tests, the numbers had nearly tripled, pointing to critical issues.

A CT angiogram revealed severe blockages in her right coronary artery, circumflex artery and the infamous "widowmaker" (left anterior descending artery).

Further follow-up with a cardiac catheterization confirmed the worst—she needed an urgent quadruple bypass.

"My doctor told me ‘If you had not pursued the calcium test and following tests, you would have gone to sleep and not woken up or passed away from a massive heart attack,’" her doctor told her.

Tammy’s care journey took her to Parkridge Medical Center, where she met her surgeon, Dr. Stephen Martin, who would perform the bypass surgery. He spent over an hour with her before the procedure, walking her through every step, easing her fears.

"After he talked to me, I was ready and confident," she recalled.

As a nurse, she had spent decades assisting others through surgery—now, she was the one on the operating table.

Her recovery was nothing short of remarkable, and she thanks the care teams at Parkridge Medical Center for their exceptional care.

"Everyone at Parkridge treated me great—from the respiratory therapists and dietitians to the nurses, PCTs, and doctors. I couldn’t ask for a better experience."

Now, Tammy is an evangelist for heart health and the calcium scoring test at Parkridge.

"Early detection can save your life," she says.

Heart attacks can destroy heart muscle, but because of her proactive approach, hers was preserved. Now, she urges everyone to take advantage of the calcium scoring test available through Parkridge.

"It’s worth it. Get checked out and prioritize your health. It saved my life—it could save yours too."

Tammy’s huge heart has always played a role in her care for others.

Thanks to the advanced technology and compassionate care at Parkridge, it will keep beating for her patients for years to come.