For years, Gary Patrem convinced himself that he didn’ t need to go to the doctor.
Instead, he participated in the wellness program at Consolidated Communications, where he serves as a manager, and he kept active by jogging, lifting weights and playing at least a few holes of golf each day. He also donated blood regularly.“ I used the wellness program as my excuse for not going to the doctor, because it offered several screenings and I was able to get my readings,” he said.
However, with a family history of heart disease and a nudge from wife, Gayle, Gary realized it was time to go.“ My father died of a heart attack the day after his 60th birthday,” Gary said.“ He had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure a couple of years earlier, but we thought he was doing better with the treatments, medication and by participating in cardiac rehabilitation.” Gary’ s maternal grandfather died of a heart attack, as well.
Gary with grandson Quinn
When Gary saw Family Physician Robert Thain, MD, at Family Medical Center, he learned that his blood pressure was alarmingly high. Dr. Thain prescribed medication to keep it in check, and Gary registered for a Heart to Heart screening at Sarah Bush Lincoln, something he had intended to do for years.
Gary with grandson Riggs
Gary was surprised when he was stopped during an exercise stress test because his heart was not pumping well. Following further assessment, he was even more shocked to learn that he had 80 percent blockage in the left anterior descending artery and blockages in seven other arteries.
During cardiac catheterization, Prairie Heart Institute Interventional Cardiologist Amit Dande, MD, FACC, FSCAI, opened the most heavily blocked artery by inserting a stent – a tiny, metal mesh tube that improves blood flow.“ I tell you what: I was amazed by how they did it and by what they are able to do. I think it only took 15 minutes. It’ s incredible,” Gary said.
“ I guess( the diagnosis) wasn’ t really a surprise because of my family history, but I wasn’ t really prepared for the findings that I got. I didn’ t have any symptoms, nor did I feel bad,” Gary said.“ I was able to carry on what I normally did.” The news gave him the wake-up call he needed to make changes to better manage his heart disease, like watching portion sizes to improve his eating habits.
Eager to start working out again, Gary underwent cardiac rehabilitation through METS( Monitored Exercise Testing Services) at Sarah Bush Lincoln.“ It’ s a great environment in order to put your mind at ease. There were times when I wanted to start working out harder, but I always felt safe there,” he said.“ Having someone watch and keep me at a prescribed level was probably the most beneficial aspect of the program, because I probably would have tried to do too much too soon.”
Heart to Heart offers area residents an opportunity to have several cardiopulmonary screenings performed that may reveal potentially life-threatening diseases. It is designed to increase participants’ awareness of their health risks and to teach them techniques to avoid heart diseases.
Gary learned that he was at risk of having a heart attack due to a buildup of calcium in his arteries, so he immediately made an appointment to see Prairie Heart Institute Cardiologist Thomas Cahill, MD, who practices at Sarah Bush Lincoln.
Gary is grateful to be back on the golf course again, playing year round as long as the weather allows, and getting down on the floor with his two grandsons, Quinn and Riggs.“ I feel good, but I felt good before. The best thing really is having peace of mind because of my family history. I was probably more worried than I let on, but it’ s good to know what I have so I can control it and move on,” he said.
Gary encourages others to have a Heart to Heart screen.“ You might not think you have serious heart issues, but sometimes you just don’ t know.”
For more information about Heart to Heart, call Kristina Bushue, program coordinator, at 217-258-2238 or go to www. sarahbush. org. january 2017 healthstyles 3