Sanford Fargo Named to Becker's 2026 Great Heart Programs List

Sanford Fargo Lands Back-to-Back Spot on Prestigious National Heart Care List

For the second consecutive year, Sanford Health Fargo has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 list of the 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Heart Programs, a recognition that places it among the nation’s leaders in cardiovascular care. Becker’s Hospital Review reported the honor, noting the hospitals and health systems that are setting the standard for cardiovascular care, boasting exceptional clinical outcomes, life-saving technology and original research.

What makes this repeat recognition particularly significant is the scale of the challenge it represents. As the top cause of mortality in the United States, heart disease underscores the critical need for superior health care to be available locally.

“We are excited and honored to be named a top heart hospital in the country,” said Paul Burud, Sanford Fargo vice president for heart services. “Our dedicated heart team utilizes cutting-edge technology and a specialized approach to patient care, helping ensure successful patient outcomes.”

Day 1 at Becker’s CEO + CFO Roundtable 2026: 1,500+ Health System Leaders in Chicago

The numbers behind the program are staggering, painting a clear picture of its regional impact. Sanford Fargo’s heart team comprises more than 400 professionals, including nearly 40 physicians and advanced practice providers. The program treats approximately 1,300 heart attack patients annually.

As the top cause of mortality in the United States, heart disease underscores the critical need for superior health care to be available locally.

This dedication to quality is quantifiable and repeatedly recognized. Sanford Fargo has earned the American College of Cardiology’s “Chest Pain-MI Registry Performance Award” 10 times for consistently delivering guideline-based, high-quality care. This standard of excellence was also shown in 2025 when Sanford Fargo was named one of Premier’s “Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals” in the nation—a distinction that made it the only hospital in North Dakota, South Dakota, or Minnesota to earn this distinction.

Firsts and Innovations in the Dakotas

Sanford Fargo’s influence extends beyond consistent excellence; it is a driver of medical innovation for the entire region. The program has been the first in the state to introduce numerous advancements, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement, cardiac PET imaging, TriClip tricuspid valve repair and renal denervation for resistant hypertension.

The commitment to pioneering new techniques is shown by the sheer volume of complex procedures performed. The center has surpassed 2,000 transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures and has completed over 1,000 Watchman procedures. In January 2026, the hospital performed the first Evoque procedure in the Dakotas.

This culture of innovation is being actively cultivated through new educational partnerships. Earlier this year, Sanford Fargo launched a cardiovascular disease fellowship with the University of North Dakota.

The Rural Reach: Bringing Expertise to the Community

Perhaps the most profound aspect of Sanford Fargo’s heart program is its deliberate effort to bridge the geographic and resource gaps that often define rural healthcare. Through extensive rural outreach, Sanford provides cardiology care in 12 communities and diagnostic services at additional sites across the region.

While the national accolades are numerous, one could argue that the true measure of success lies in the daily, on-the-ground work of expanding access and treating patients with a specialized, human-centered approach.

Worth a look