It’s a frightening statistic: someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds. For many Kentuckians, the risk is even higher due to widespread health challenges like obesity, smoking and chronic illness. At UK, two researchers are tackling what comes next — the often-overlooked damage that unfolds in the days and weeks after a heart attack. Their work could redefine how recovery happens, offering new hope for healing hearts in Kentucky and beyond.