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Woman Survives ‘Widow Maker’ Heart Attack

Excellent local medical care is vital for survival

Heart attacks in women often look and feel much less dramatic than the stereotypical elephant-on-the-chest scenario. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, cold sweats, nausea and neck, jaw or back pain. Sometimes a heart attack is disregarded as a bad case of indigestion, as was the scenario of Penny Higgins.

Underestimating the warning signs of a heart attack

Higgins, 70, had been experiencing the stereotypical heart attack symptoms that often get ignored—chest pain, indigestion, fatigue. The discomfort faded away and then returned with a vengeance.

“I didn’t think it could be a heart attack – I didn’t feel that bad,” Higgins remembers. “It wasn’t like a heart attack in a movie scene.” Penny didn’t go directly to the hospital. Days later, the pressure tightened around her chest like rubber bands pulling, a stinging sensation shot down her arm, and her stomach pain caused vomiting.

Low survival rate for ‘widow maker’ heart attack patients

Within minutes of arriving at the emergency department, the emergency and interventional cardiology teams collaborated at full speed. “Nine or ten people gathered around and began working with extreme efficiency. They told me I was indeed having a heart attack, and they had to work fast to save my life,” Higgins said.

Higgins had a complete blockage at the beginning of her main artery down the front of the heart, or the left descending artery (LAD). As far as heart attacks go, this is often referred to as the ‘widow maker’ because of the low survival rate when patients experience a heart attack in the left descending artery. It supplies blood to the front and the bottom of the heart’s left ventricle, and to the front of the septum.

Heart muscle dies every minute during a blockage

“When it comes to heart attacks, every minute counts, and time is heart muscle,” says Abdulhay Albirini, M.D., interventional cardiologist with the Genesis Heart, Lung & Vascular Group. “Literally, every minute a blockage in an artery stops blood flow, more of the heart muscle dies. When care is delayed, significant permanent damage can result. On the other hand, if we can open the artery right away, heart muscle damage can be minimal and the majority of patients go on to live normal lives.”

Dr. Albirini and his team rushed Higgins into the Cardiac Catheterization Lab for diagnosis and treatment. Through a tiny, two millimeter catheter, Dr. Albirini maneuvered a hair-thin wire through the clot and inflated a balloon to bust the blockage. Then he deployed a small, wire mesh stent to hold the artery permanently open.

Specialized treatment and technology in Zanesville is saving lives

In acute cases like Higgins', excellent, local medical care is vital for survival. “In the old days, before Genesis had a heart program doing these procedures, patients were transferred to Columbus – 60 miles from here – which delayed treatment,” recalls Dr. Albirini. “Now, our communities have access to outstanding care close to home – it makes a big difference in outcomes.”

In fact, Genesis Hospital provides superior heart and vascular care compared to the majority of the heart centers around the nation, according to national quality indicators collected by the American College of Cardiology. “We are successful because we have the expertise, the technology, and we work so well together. The ED team, the cardiologists, the technicians and nurses – everyone knows his or her role and treats the patient promptly,” Dr. Albirini says.

Genesis cardiac rehabilitation combines exercise, education and nutritionists

Higgins participated in the Heart & Vascular Rehabilitation three times a week for three months combining exercise, education and support. “Genesis’ rehabilitation program is wonderful,” Higgins said. “We talked with pharmacists, had support groups and learned from nutritionists. I’ve built my strength by using the exercise machines too. Plus, I’m lucky because I have my husband. We’ve been married 51 years, and his support helps me get through this.”

She’ll return to water aerobics soon and continue serving West Muskingum Schools, First Christian Church and the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. “I’m getting stronger daily. I feel like I’ve been given a chance to continue living a good life,” Higgins said. “The care at Genesis made all the difference. I know they saved my life.”

Heart attack symptoms for women can be different than men

Unlike the dramatic, chest-clutching pain in a movie scene, women often experience subtler and sometimes different symptoms for three or four weeks before a heart attack. Symptoms for women include but are not limited to:

- Jaw pain in lower left side
- Shoulder pain
- Upper back pain
- Pain in the center of the chest that spreads to the back
- Pain that spreads to either arm (usually the left arm in men)
- Unusual or extreme fatigue during normal activities
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Shortness of breath without exertion

If you are experiencing any one of the symptoms described below that lasts for more than five minutes, SEEK EMERGENCY TREATMENT AND CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

Recognize other warning signs of a heart attack

Chest pain (often described as an ‘elephant sitting on the chest’) is the most common symptom of heart attack in men. These symptoms could also be signs of a heart attack:

- Chest pain (heaviness, pressure, tightness, aching, burning or squeezing)
- Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
- Pain in the arm, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Sweating or “cold sweats”
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion or what may feel like heartburn
- Dizziness
- Extreme weakness
- Rapid or irregular heart beats
- Light-headedness

Respond to heart attack symptoms right away

Time is muscle. Every minute a blockage in an artery stops blood flow, more of your heart muscle dies causing permanent damage to your heart. When it comes to your life or the life of someone you love, don’t delay if you have chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack. Error on the side of caution and respond immediately by calling 911 or getting to your nearest emergency department.

Penny Higgins Patient Story

Penny Higgins, 70, had been experiencing the stereotypical heart attack symptoms that often get ignored—chest pain, indigestion, fatigue.

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Taking It To The Limit

Heart Patient Competes

Brad Hollingsworth tests his limits and always has. The 41-year-old has accomplished amazing physical feats even though he has complete congenital heart block, diagnosed when he was about a year old. "Basically, it means the electrical impulses to stimulate the ventricles don't connect," Brad said. "It's like one end of the line is frayed, and the result is spotty reception."

Even with this heart condition, Brad has been able to compete in Ironman triathlon races with the help of his fellowship-trained electrophysiologist, Grant Chow, M.D., Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute. An electrophysiologist has additional years of training to specialize in the heart’s electrical activity.

“Dr. Chow is part of my team that boosts my confidence to pursue my dreams of the Hawaii World Ironman championship,” Brad said. He eagerly shares his health information to help others learn that what seems impossible – is possible. “I want to educate others that you can overcome obstacles – especially if you have physicians like Dr. Chow. Having his guidance gives me the confidence, and confidence is necessary to commit to the Ironman races and the training (8 to 15 hours a week for 6 to 12 months).” The Ironman races include 2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles biking and 26.2 miles running.

Although Brad’s heart condition doesn’t have symptoms and didn’t require a pacemaker, it does require close monitoring. Brad lives every day with a resting heart rate around 38 beats per minute (bpm), while the average rate is 60 bpm. “This is an uncommon heart condition, only occurring about one in every 15,000 to 22,000 people,” Dr. Chow said. “Brad’s ability to compete, given his heart condition, is basically unheard of. Most people with his heart condition are bubble wrapped and told not to exercise.”

Competing in Ironman races is such an anomaly for a patient like Brad that Dr. Chow is featuring his health numbers in a case report. Brad’s biometric data was recorded during an Ironman race. “Nobody in the world, that I can find, has described and recorded this data on someone with a congenital complete heart block, who doesn’t have a pacemaker. Our hope is that others with complete heart blocks are inspired by what Brad achieved.” (As always, check with your physicians before beginning an exercise regimen.)

Brad completed the Florida 2019 Ironman race in 12 hours and 29 minutes. Over 200 participants didn’t meet the 17-hour time limit to be an official finisher.

Brad appreciates having a physician guiding him to screen for heart palpitations, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fainting or decreased physical ability. Brad recognizes the signs and knows when he needs to take a break. “Being able to have Dr. Chow’s guidance has been very critical for me to go live and do these crazy things.”

When asked why he pushes himself to do these ‘crazy things’, Brad responded, “I love the adventure. I love to push my limits. We’re all capable of doing more than what we believe we can.”

Brad Hollingsworth Patient Story

Brad Hollingsworth tests his limits and always has. The 41-year-old has accomplished amazing physical feats even though he has complete congenital heart block, diagnosed when he was about a year old.

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Patient Finds New Energy After Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

Say goodbye to shortness of breath, low energy

JoAnn Grubb had been active her whole life, but the shortness of breath caused by her narrowing aortic valve was slowing her down. “We’d been following my heart valve problem for a couple of years and finally it was at a place where it had to be replaced,” said JoAnn. She went to Genesis HealthCare System to see a cardiothoracic surgeon on the advice of her regular cardiologist, Dr. Abdulhay Albirini.

Aortic stenosis occurs when the valve between the heart and aorta (the main artery carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart) does not open all the way. The cardiothoracic surgeon confirmed that JoAnn’s aortic valve was significantly narrowed and recommended surgery to replace it. While she might have gone a few years without the surgery, her quality of life would have been diminished and eventually her heart would have given out.

With the exception of a heart transplant, Genesis can perform any cardiac procedure available in a larger hospital, including open heart surgery.

Heart surgery is scheduled

The surgery went as expected but was followed that evening by unexplained seizures. However, a neurologist was immediately consulted and JoAnn recovered quickly.

Today, JoAnn is back to her old self, taking daily walks, going to Zanesville High School basketball games and planning trips with her husband, Jim. For her part, JoAnn was so pleased with her care that she posted a thank-you in the local newspaper. “I’m doing better with shortness of breath, which was my major symptom before the surgery,” she said. “Now I can walk farther and do more without having to sit down and catch my breath.”

Get the best care for your heart

Genesis Heart Services are close to home and is the region's only hospital with accreditations for chest pain treatment and congestive heart failure (CHF). Genesis is the first hospital in the nation to be granted atrial fibrillation certification. Genesis has a full range of heart care services, and our quality ranks among the highest in the state and country ... so you know your heart is in good hands.

JoAnn Grubb Patient Story

JoAnn Grubb had been active her whole life, but the shortness of breath caused by her narrowing aortic valve was slowing her down. “We’d been following my heart valve problem for a couple of years and finally it was at a place where it had to be replaced,” said JoAnn. She went to Genesis HealthCare System to see a cardiothoracic surgeon on the advice of her regular cardiologist, Dr. Abdulhay Albirini.

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Man Survives 100 Percent Blockage After Coronary Bypass Surgery

Symptoms alert Zanesville man to heart problem

“What’s the matter, Grandpa?” asked 7 year-old Hunter. Daniel Wilson rested on a log and inhaled deeply.

“I’m just going to sit here and relax,” Daniel said, trying to make sense of the new, lightheaded feeling swirling inside of him. This was the second night in a row that lightheadedness cut into his wood splitting attempts.

Cardiologists work with surgeons to find the right treatment

The next day, Daniel went to work at Genesis in Materials Distribution. He’s served in the department that delivers supplies throughout the hospital for 24 years and knows most of the hospital’s team members. Sighting Duane Pool, M.D., cardiologist, down the hallway, Daniel asked, “Hey doc, what does it mean if you get lightheaded when splitting firewood?” Dr. Pool quickly replied, “It means you need to get into my office.” After hearing Daniel’s symptoms and considering his family history, Dr. Pool scheduled a heart catheterization at the Genesis Catheterization Lab. Dr. Pool found blockage, and Daniel was referred to Christopher Genco, M.D., cardiothoracic vascular surgeon at Genesis. “Dr. Pool found severe coronary artery disease in two of Daniel’s main vessels,” Dr. Genco explained. “One artery with two large branches was 100 percent blocked, and the other artery was 80 percent blocked.” Daniel was soon scheduled for surgery.

Grafting veins to restore blood flow to the heart

Coronary artery disease develops as plaque builds. Eventually, the artery narrows and blood flow decreases significantly, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness and other symptoms. Though the disease cannot be cured, quality of life can greatly improve for people with severe disease when surgeons perform coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

“Think of it this way, Daniel’s main road or artery, was blocked and we needed to build roads around the blockage,” Dr. Genco said. “We build the bypass by grafting the veins from the patient’s legs or use the mammary artery … Just like we turn off a car’s engine when working on it, in Daniel’s case we stopped the heart for about 1.5 hours to perform the bypass. As we build the roads and work on the stilled heart, a bypass machine maintains blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body. When we’re finished, blood flow is restored and the heart starts pumping again.”

Though Dr. Genco explains CABG in simple terms, the advanced procedure requires expertise and top-quality care. “We’re fortunate to have a hospital providing such quality heart care close to home,” Dr. Genco said. “It provides residents with access to needed health care and opportunities to heal while surrounded by friends and family.”

Finding support among family members and friends

Heart disease runs in Daniel’s family. His father died during a similar open-heart surgery about 40 years ago. To prepare for his surgery, Daniel attended church and visited his father’s grave.

“I was scared to death,” Daniel recalled. “When I went into surgery I felt so nervous, but then I looked around and saw an anesthesiologist, who’s a friend of mine, and a couple nurses I knew, and I relaxed. I knew I was in good care. The doctors and nurses were pulling for me, and I had a whole bunch of family in the waiting room too. Everybody cared, and I made it through.”

Daniel said his support system and trust in the advanced cardiology care at Genesis remained strong throughout his entire journey – from diagnosis, through treatment and recovery. He said his hospital room was dubbed “Main Street” due to many visitors; and his wife, grandson and 3-year-old granddaughter, “Nurse Sofia,” doted on him constantly.

“I did this for my family,” Daniel said. “But if I did it all again, I’d have started losing weight earlier. I didn’t realize I was so heavy; it just crept up on me.”

Daniel’s weight loss started about a month before his heart-related symptoms surfaced, when he lost 60 pounds by removing pop and sugary drinks from his daily diet.

“We can’t make coronary artery disease go away, but there are ways to slow the disease’s progression,” Dr. Genco said. Healthy habits will be vital to keeping his coronary artery disease in check. Habits that promote healthy arteries include managing diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol levels; eating healthy; exercising; not smoking; weight loss; and reducing stress.

Back on the farm after recovery

After his CABG procedure in February, Daniel recovered for 11 weeks before returning to work. He doesn’t split wood or lift heavy items yet, but he does bail hay, drive the tractor and spend quality time with his children and grandchildren on the family farm.

“I’m back to doing the things I like to do,” Daniel said. “Family and friends ask what doctor I used, and I’ve already referred several to Dr. Genco. I like him a lot, and I’m happy to tell everyone how the experts at Genesis enabled me to get back to working and enjoying life.”

Daniel Wilson Patient Story

Daniel was lightheaded while splitting wood at home. After hearing Daniel’s symptoms and considering his family history, Dr. Pool scheduled a heart catheterization.

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Cardiac Team Resuscitates and Saves Heart Attack Patient

Woman survives widow maker, 100 percent blockage

Shelba Kane, a long-time resident of South Zanesville, casually watched TV while the discomfort grew in her chest. Once the pain forcefully struck between her shoulder blades, she got up and told her husband that she needed to get to the hospital. A sense of urgency flooded over her as nausea, dizziness and cold sweats erupted.

EMS arrived quickly and took her to Genesis Hospital – where widow maker heart attacks meet their match. Upon arrival, Brooke Donaldson, M.D., FACEP, emergency medicine specialist, Genesis Emergency & Trauma Services, rushed to Shelba’s bedside and began asking questions, but the conversation ended abruptly when Shelba lost consciousness and her heart stopped beating.

Left descending artery (LAD) is known as widow maker artery

“I started compressions immediately, and our team moved her to a major medical resuscitation room,” Dr. Donaldson said.

Shelba’s situation was grave. She went into cardiac arrest four times and received three electric shocks to restore her normal heart rhythm. The dire situation was caused by a blockage that completely stopped blood from flowing to her left anterior descending artery (LAD). Known as the deadliest kind of heart attack, the widow maker strikes suddenly – and despite its name, the attack can occur in men as well as women.

Dr. Donaldson and her quick-acting emergency team were able to resuscitate Shelba and transport her to the cardiac catheterization lab, where Abdulhay Albirini, M.D., medical director and interventional cardiologist, Genesis Heart & Vascular Services, and his team aimed to re-establish proper blood flow – and fast.

Immediate dilation and stenting to save her life

“With heart attacks, time is crucial,” Dr. Albirini said. “The LAD supplies blood to more than 50 percent of the heart muscle, and Shelba’s was 100 percent obstructed. If patients receive care quickly after the onset of symptoms, we have greater chances of restoring blood flow and saving the heart muscle.”

Dr. Albirini opened Shelba’s blocked blood vessel by dilating a balloon in her LAD. He then carefully placed two stents that permanently prop open the artery. “It’s definitely a life-saving procedure in acute heart attacks,” Dr. Albirini said.

For Shelba, the expert care at Genesis proved to be life-saving and absolutely inspiring. “I feel like I had a miracle,” Shelba said. Though Shelba sees it as a miracle, the Genesis team sees it as their daily routine. Genesis’ skilled hospital professionals care for, on average, 120-130 patients experiencing acute heart attacks each year; with the majority suffering from 100 percent blockage of one of the heart’s three main arteries. Since heart disease holds strong as the leading cause of death among men and women, it’s comforting to know that outstanding emergency and cardiology care is close to home.

Reunited with the medical team to say thank you

“It’s too bad that we see so many people with heart attacks, but at least we can do something about it – we have the skills, experience and technologies to help these patients,” Dr. Albirini said. “There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a patient who survived a heart attack say, ‘You saved my life!’ It’s wonderful.”

Dr. Donaldson agrees. As a Genesis Emergency Department (ED) physician, she stabilizes patients but rarely knows the long-term results of her patients’ progress. That’s why, when Shelba returned to Genesis’ ED to express thanks to team members who kept her alive, Dr. Donaldson felt overcome with emotion. “It was probably one of the most gratifying and humbling experiences I’ve had – to see her walking and talking with her family, to see her back to the person she was before,” Dr. Donaldson said.

Grateful to make heart-healthy changes

Thanks to procedures in the catheterization lab and four days of care at Genesis Hospital, Shelba’s body rallied. Her vitals improved steadily, her blood flowed properly, and she went home to continue her healing. Today, Shelba makes heart health a major priority. To nurture her healing heart, Shelba cherishes time with family and sticks with revolutionary changes in her diet.

“I cut out all junk,” Shelba said. “I switched to a lower sodium and lower fat diet, and I’m eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. I have more energy now, and I feel stronger.” Looking back, Shelba’s heart bursts with gratitude for the Genesis team.

“They’re wonderful. My daughter said she’s never seen anything like the care I got and how hard they worked to keep me alive. Dr. Donaldson saved my life, as did Dr. Albirini (and I think he’s one of the best doctors Zanesville has to offer). They were SO good, it’s hard to put into words,” Shelba said.

Recognize the warning signs of a heart attack

Chest pain (often described as an ‘elephant sitting on the chest’) is the most common symptom of heart attack in men. These symptoms could also be signs of a heart attack:

  • Chest pain (heaviness, pressure, tightness, aching, burning or squeezing)
    Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
    Pain in the arm, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw or stomach
    Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    Sweating or “cold sweats”
    Nausea or vomiting
    Indigestion or what may feel like heartburn
    Dizziness
    Extreme weakness
    Rapid or irregular heartbeats
    Light-headedness

Women can experience different heart attack symptoms

Jaw pain in the lower left side, shoulder pain, and upper back pain are all symptoms women should pay close attention to. Unlike the dramatic, chest-clutching pain in a movie scene, women often experience subtler and sometimes different symptoms for three or four weeks before a heart attack. Other symptoms include:

  • Pain in the center of the chest that spreads to the back
    Pain that spreads to either arm (usually the left arm in men)
    Unusual or extreme fatigue during normal activities
    Pain that wakes you up at night
    Shortness of breath without exertion

If you are experiencing any one of the symptoms described below that lasts for more than five minutes, SEEK EMERGENCY TREATMENT AND CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

Shelba Kane Patient Story

Shelba Kane was taken to the Genesis by EMS suffering from chest pain. The Genesis medical team was able to save her life from a heart attack, and Shelba made a full recovery.

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Woman’s Tickle in Throat Was Her ‘Sign of a Heart Attack’

Unusual symptom brings woman to the emergency department

Tami Swope woke with an odd tightness in her neck. The feeling wasn’t like anything she’d ever felt before. Describing it as “pressure,” she decided to wait for the sensation to dwindle … but it didn’t.

“For some reason I thought I should go to the Emergency Department (ED) and have them check out my throat,” Tami said. “My husband wasn’t home, so I called my neighbor and asked her to take me. We talked and chatted on the drive to the ED just like we were going to lunch.”

Since Tami, a native Zanesville resident, lives only one mile from Genesis Hospital, her ride was a short one – and that’s a good thing. The proximity to top-quality care saved her life.

Collapsing in the emergency department

“When we arrived, I handed my driver’s license and health insurance card to the person at the registration desk – and that’s the last thing I remember. I have no other memories of the next eight days,” Tami said.

Tami lost consciousness, and her heart stopped beating in the ED. “I got a call from an ED physician alerting me of a female patient in cardiac arrest, and the ED team was doing chest compressions trying to restart her heart,” recalled Mohamed Ahmed, M.D., interventional cardiologist, Genesis Heart & Vascular Group. “I rushed downstairs to the ED, and it was clear Tami was having a heart attack. We worked quickly to get her to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, locate the blockage and fix it.”

100% blockage can cause a widowmaker attack

After the ED team stabilized Tami and restored her heart to a normal rhythm – a major feat that required shocks through a procedure called cardioversion, chest compressions for approximately 10 minutes, and a ventilator to breathe for her weak body – Tami was transported to the Cardiac Cath Lab. There, the heart specialists identified the underlying problem: Tami’s left anterior descending artery (LAD) was 100% blocked. The LAD, commonly referred to as the widowmaker, is recognized as the most important artery in the heart.

“She was at death’s door,” Dr. Ahmed said. “She was having the worst kind of heart attack.” Thankfully, with top-quality care close to home, the widowmaker is making fewer widows.

“We have, on average, between 120 and 140 patients who present with acute heart attacks like Tami’s each year, and it makes a tremendous difference to have the care close to home. For example, if we didn’t have this level of cardiac care available in Zanesville, Tami would have transferred to Columbus, and it’s very likely she would not have made it,” explained Abdulhay Albirini, M.D., interventional cardiologist, Genesis Heart & Vascular Group, who also cared for Tami in the Cardiac Cath Lab and throughout her hospital stay.

Cardiologists place stents and insert balloon pump

The Genesis’ Cardiac Cath Lab team maneuvered a hair-thin wire through Tami’s clogged artery and inflated a balloon to bust the blockage. Then they carefully placed two stents, or small tube-shaped supports, within the artery to maintain blood flow. Due to the severity and acuteness of Tami’s heart attack, the physicians also inserted an intra-aortic balloon pump device to improve blood flow and aid the pumping function.

With the procedure successfully completed, Tami’s body needed to rest, regain strength and resume breathing and pumping blood on its own. She spent several days in the Genesis Critical Care Unit (CCU), surrounded by family, friends and nurses.

“Genesis had a nurse in my room 24/7 until the heart pump was removed. My family said the team was so conscientious and compassionate. People repeatedly said this was a miracle. I think I had divine intervention, but the physicians were the miracle – they brought me back,” Tami said.

Interventional cardiologists collaborate to provide around-the-clock services at Genesis Hospital. “We take a team approach, and it’s very helpful,” Dr. Ahmed said. “We bring all our education from the prestigious institutions we attended and make it accessible in Zanesville. The people and community deserve the best care.”

Join cardiac rehab after a heart attack, heart surgery

Tami is grateful for the best care. After being discharged from the hospital, she continued her recovery by attending Genesis’ cardiac rehabilitation program. The education, exercise and encouragement during 36 sessions, three days a week, proved essential to her healing.

“It’s proven that survival rates increase significantly if you attend the program and graduate,” Tami said. “I did, and I feel strong now. I exercise every day, and eat low sodium, high-fiber foods.”

Thanks to her life-saving medical care and diligent, healthy heart habits, Tami is alive and thriving. She finds joy in dedicating her time to serving others in the community.

“I feel blessed to be alive and appreciate being active and able to volunteer,” Tami said. “We’re fortunate that Genesis has such top-notch, state-of-the-art cardiac care right here for us.”

Heart attack symptoms can differ for women

Unlike the dramatic, chest-clutching pain in a movie scene, women often experience subtler and sometimes different symptoms for three or four weeks before a heart attack.
Symptoms for women can include, but are not limited to:

Jaw pain in left side
Shoulder pain
Upper back pain
Pain in the center of the chest that spreads to the back
Pain that spreads to either arm (usually the left arm in men)
Unusual or extreme fatigue during normal activities
Pain that wakes you up at night
Shortness of breath without exertion

If you experience any one of the symptoms described above that lasts for more than five minutes, SEEK EMERGENCY TREATMENT, AND CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

Tami Swope Patient Story

Tami Swope woke with an odd tightness in her neck. Describing it as “pressure,” the sensation didn’t go away. When Tami arrived at the emergency department, she lost consciousness, and her heart stopped beating. She was suffering from a widowmaker heart attack.

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Nurse Recognizes Cardiac Rehab Patient Needs Medical Attention

Exercise is supervised for patient safety

Don Brauning was on a treadmill at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Rehab Gym when he stepped off suddenly for a few seconds. “One of the nurses immediately noticed. She asked me what was wrong, and I told her, ‘Nothing,’” he said.

Something was definitely wrong, and Don credits the nurses in Heart & Vascular Rehab with saving his life. “If I had been at home or at another exercise facility, I probably wouldn’t have noticed anything was wrong, and I could have ended up in the Emergency Department – or worse,” said Don, a retired dentist.

The specially trained nurses and exercise physiologists in Genesis Heart & Vascular Rehab monitor participants’ heart rates and patterns while exercising and measure their blood pressure before and after exercising. After seeing Don’s heart rate change on the monitor, Sharon Francis, R.N., requested a stress test for Don, and he was able to do the test the next day.

Heart catheterization reveals a blockage

“If Don had been exercising and not supervised, his symptoms might have been ignored and he could have had a heart attack,” said Abdulhay Albirini, M.D., interventional cardiologist, Genesis Heart & Vascular Group. “The cardiac rehab staff was there, recognized the chest pain, and that’s why the problem was taken care of quickly.” Don had a stress test and heart catheterization. “His heart catherization showed he had a bad blockage in one of his arteries and as a result, a heart stent was inserted,” said Dr. Albirini.

With a family history of heart disease, Don and his wife Suzanne are glad that such a high caliber of heart care is nearby. “We wanted to have expert care who could care for Don quickly,” Suzanne said. “We didn’t want to have to travel to a large city.”

Helping patients reduce the risk for future cardiac events

The Nashport man enjoys going to Genesis Heart & Vascular Rehab and participating in the education programs. “This isn’t just an exercise program,” Dr. Albirini said. “It is a comprehensive, long-term medical education and risk factor modification program. The program’s goal is to help control risk factors and decrease the risk of future cardiovascular events.”

Don is proof the program works. “Don is one of my patients I have been taking care of for many years. He’s compliant with his medication and his rehab exercise program, and that’s why at age 88 he looks good, is active and is an example of a patient deriving the benefits of our cardiac program,” Dr. Albirini said.

Don exercises at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Rehab Gym three times a week. He encourages others to exercise – even his heart doctor.

"I’ll see Dr. Albirini in the hallway of the hospital and ask him if he’s playing soccer or exercising. And I’ll tell him, ‘You need to take care of yourself. I need you,’” Don said.

Dr. Albirini joined the Heart & Vascular team at Genesis in 2001. “I am really proud to be a part of the Heart & Vascular Institute at Genesis. Everybody involved in the program is really making a difference in the lives of our patients in Southeastern Ohio,” he said. And Don is proof the program is making a difference.

There are a wide variety of exercise and education programs available at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Rehab Gym, located in the Genesis Physician Pavilion. In addition to the Heart & Vascular Rehab program, there are other exercise programs to help you get active and maintain a healthier lifestyle including Genesis Risk Intervention Program (GRIP) and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

The programs are led by nurses, exercise and rehab specialists, and exercise physiologists and include education, encouragement and connection with other members.

When you have heart disease, it’s important to exercise regularly. If you aren’t already active, your doctor may want you to begin an exercise program. Rehab can help you be more active and make lifestyle changes that can lead to a stronger heart and better health.

What you need to know before you start exercising

Even if you can only do a small amount of exercise, it’s better than not doing any exercise at all. Before you begin, talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Your doctor may do an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and possibly an exercise stress test to assess how much activity your heart can safely handle. Here's some other exercise information you should know before you begin:

  • After you start exercising, stop your activity immediately if you experience chest pain or pressure, feel faint or lightheaded, or become extremely out of breath.
  • Start an exercise program, such as walking, cycling or jogging.
  • Try to do moderate activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.
  • Aim for a goal to exercise for at least 2½ hours a week.
  • Exercise can help lower the risk of a heart attack.
  • A complete exercise program includes aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching.
  • Set goals you can reach. If you expect too much, you are likely to become discouraged and stop exercising.

Call (740) 454-4336 to schedule a visit or sign up for a program.

Don Brauning Patient Story

Don Brauning was exercising at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Rehab Gym and didn’t notice anything was wrong. The heart care team at Genesis did notice and scheduled a stress test right away.

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Calcium Heart Scan Detects Blockage and Irregular Heart Rhythm

9 out of 10 patients cured with catheter ablation

One story can change the trajectory of a life.

For Tom Quinn, it was a local television news story about a quick and simple heart-health test called a coronary calcium scan. The report about this potentially lifesaving, simple scan caught Tom’s eye, and being an inquisitive and proactive person, he inquired about the screening at his next appointment with his primary care physician.

A coronary calcium scan uses X-ray imaging to discover calcium-containing plaque in the heart’s arteries. Tom’s scan, performed at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute, suggested significant coronary artery disease.

“I’ve never had any typical, heart-patient symptoms – no chest pains or anything,” Tom said. “But they found blockages, and then I had a stress test.”

For the stress test, Tom walked on a treadmill while connected to an electrocardiogram, also called an EKG. Meanwhile, medical professionals watched to see if blood supply adequately reached his heart’s arteries.

“As soon as Tom got on the treadmill, the team immediately found his heart was in a condition called atrial flutter. In fact, they ended the test early because of this heart rhythm problem,” said Grant Chow, M.D., electrophysiologist, Genesis Heart & Vascular Group. “The results of the screening and stress test showed that Tom had an electrical issue with his heart rhythm, as well as possible coronary heart disease, which is a heart plumbing issue.”

The Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute provides comprehensive heart care, meaning a team of specialized heart experts work side-by-side, treating all aspects of heart health.

“Our heart program has grown tremendously since we moved to the new hospital, and it’s completely changed the heart care in our area – it’s a great thing,” Dr. Chow said. “We work together, so if you have anything heart-related, we can walk down the ‘plumbing’ hallway, the ‘electrical’ hallway or the ‘imaging’ hallway to the heart specialist who is needed.”

No symptoms of a life-threatening heart issue

The average person’s heart beats between 60 and 100 times per minute. In atrial flutter, the heart races between 140 and 160 beats per minute. With atrial flutter, most people generally feel shortness of breath, chest discomfort and/or pressure. Others, like Tom, live symptom-free and oblivious to the potentially threatening issue.

“For some people atrial flutter is extremely sneaky, with no symptoms whatsoever,” Dr. Chow said. “The scary thing is their heart may race for days, weeks or months without knowing it. If we don’t catch it, folks don’t show up in the hospital until the horse is out of the barn, and the heart-pumping function has taken a fair hit. Atrial flutter can lead to heart failure or decreased heart-pumping function because the heart races for so long, at such speeds, that it tires out.”

How to treat atrial flutter with catheter ablation

Thankfully, specially trained electrophysiologists can cure atrial flutter in 9 out of 10 patients by performing a minimally invasive procedure called catheter ablation. Completed within a fully equipped electrophysiology lab, doctors use a 3D mapping system of the body while advancing a soft catheter through a vein to the heart. Once positioned at the heart, an electrophysiologist delivers a burst of electrical energy to ablate (stop) the irregular electrical signals.

“Delivering a buzz of energy usually gets rid of the short circuit causing atrial flutter – so patients can return to a normal life. We generally see success right away,” Dr. Chow said.

Tom’s atrial flutter halted immediately, thanks to catheter ablation, and he began experiencing improvements in areas he didn’t even know needed improvement.

“Our bodies are living electronic marvels – and I’m a new person because of the electrical work Dr. Chow did,” Tom said. “I have better stamina now. When I would cut the grass, I used to feel like taking it easy afterward. I don’t feel that way now. Plus, I feel mentally at ease because I know my heart is okay.”

As for Tom’s possible coronary heart disease, Mohamed Ahmed, M.D., interventional cardiologist, Genesis Heart & Vascular Group, performed a heart catheterization to further investigate the plumbing issues within Tom’s heart. Based on findings from that minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Ahmed prescribed medications to manage Tom’s coronary artery disease, and further surgery was
not needed.

“My whole experience was less invasive than going to get my teeth cleaned at the dentist,” Tom said. “From the minute I walked into Genesis Hospital, everybody was welcoming and geared to make the experience as efficient and pleasurable as possible. It was a fantastic team approach.”

The Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute provides patients with preventative care, treatment and rehabilitation – for all types of heart and vascular care.

“Our new hospital stands on Maple Avenue. I see the building all the time, but I didn’t know what was in it,” Tom said. “Now I tell everybody that they need to take a tour, be inquisitive and find out the value of what we have right here. The capability and facility we have is wonderful.”

Tom Quinn Patient Story

Tom Quinn didn’t have any symptoms and didn’t know he had a threatening heart condition called atrial flutter. Thanks to catheter ablation, Tom’s atrial flutter halted immediately, and he began experiencing improvements in areas he didn’t even know needed improvement.

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