Your heart works hard for you every day. From keeping blood flowing to supporting your energy and overall well-being, your heart is truly at the center of your health. That’s why having access to expert cardiac care close to home is so important. At UHS, patients receive advanced heart care from experienced specialists using innovative technology designed to keep hearts healthy and strong.
February is recognized as American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease — the leading cause of death among Americans. To mark this important occasion, UHS is proud to share one local heart patient’s journey to a healthier future.
Guided by care, surrounded by support
Palma Longo, a native of Endicott, NY, has always lived an active, independent life — balancing her work, staying involved in her beloved community, and always being there to support her family. However, that familiar lifestyle changed when she began experiencing serious health challenges affecting both her heart and kidneys.
In the summer of 2023, Ms. Longo was rushed to the emergency department at UHS Wilson Medical Center after developing a fever and experiencing difficulty breathing. She was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI) that had progressed to urosepsis — a serious and life-threatening condition in which infection spreads into the bloodstream. Because UTIs don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, the infection went undetected and ultimately affected her heart, leading to congestive heart failure.
Over time, Ms. Longo also developed chronic kidney disease (CKD), requiring ongoing, specialized care. Throughout her recovery, the UHS Cardiology team — including cardiologist, Rasha Aurshiya, MD, nurse practitioner, Ashley Gibson, NP, and cardiac nurse navigator, Meghan Farmer, RN, BSN — supported her every step of the way, addressing both her heart and kidney health.
“They’ve all been wonderful. I’m truly pleased with the care I’ve received from the UHS Heart & Vascular Institute,” said Ms. Longo.
As her heart failure progressed, Ms. Longo was diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that begins in the heart's upper chamber. As a result, Ms. Longo experienced exhaustion and swelling in her legs — making it hard for her to complete daily tasks and enjoy activities. While medications helped manage her symptoms, Dr. Aurshiya decided that a pacemaker would significantly improve her quality of life.
In November 2025, Ms. Longo received a pacemaker to help manage her heart failure and AFib. While a pacemaker doesn’t cure these conditions, it helps the heart pump more effectively and maintain a stable rhythm, especially when paired with the right combination of medications.
“I noticed a difference after receiving the pacemaker,” Ms. Longo said. “I’m taking fewer medications now, and the ones I still need seem to work more effectively. I don’t feel as tired as I did before, and I can do household chores without becoming too exhausted.”
While Ms. Longo has seen improvement in her heart, she also continues to receive treatment for kidney disease. Dr. Aurshiya works closely with the providers at UHS Nephrology to support Ms. Longo’s ongoing kidney treatment, as issues with the heart and kidneys often affect one another. Managing both requires a coordinated approach across teams and a personalized care plan, which includes regular bloodwork at UHS Primary Care Endicott, a well-balanced diet, blood pressure control, and continual monitoring by her cardiac team.
While her health journey continues, Ms. Longo remains grateful for the compassion and dedication of the UHS teams she has encountered — from the emergency department to specialty care providers.
“Trust UHS to take care of you,” she said. “Every person I’ve interacted with has shown genuine concern for my well-being.”
To learn more about heart care services at the UHS Heart & Vascular Institute, please click here or speak with your primary care provider.