Oklahoma Heart Institute Prepares For Opening

News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Oklahoma's largest heart hospital kicked off its week-long grand-opening celebration Friday.

The Oklahoma Heart Institute, part of the Hillcrest Medical Center campus, specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.

"Oklahoma, unfortunately, is the worst in the United States as far as deaths from heart attacks and strokes," said Dr. Wayne Leimbach, chief of cardiology.

To make it feel less like a hospital, all 104 patient rooms have flat-screen TVs and Internet access.

The hospital also offers an Art Healing program, which uses music and art as part of the healing process.

An open house will be noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Visitors can tour the facility and meet cardiologists and cardiac specialists. There will also be free health screenings, a healthy cooking demonstration, light refreshments and door prizes.

The institute will officially open its doors to patients Wednesday.