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