Wellstar PeopleCare | Tom's Heart Condition Care Treatment

Reducing the risk of a heart attack

With results like this, Dr. Kramer recommended Tom undergo a cardiac catheterization which led to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This minimally invasive procedure opens clogged coronary arteries, restoring blood flow and helping with symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

Dr. Arthur Reitman performed the procedure at Wellstar Kennestone. The surgery took about an hour, and Tom noticed a difference almost immediately.

“I could do everything the next day,” he said. “My energy was back, and the color in my face was better."

Seeing the impact in action

Once back to his exercise routine, the change was apparent.

“Before the procedure, on my walks, my heart rate would get up to 140 when going up a steep hill. It would take a while to recover, and I’d have to stop and rest to allow my heart rate to go down,” he said.

Afterward, Tom’s heart rate stayed lower throughout the walk and went down more quickly once he was done. And he’s now back in winning pickleball form.

Listening to what your body tells you

Tom’s attention to his symptoms and prompt action may have saved his life.

Dr. Kramer believes the simple act of listening to your body can help save lives. Symptom types can vary between men and women, too. He said exertional dyspnea — the sensation of not being able to breathe deeply or fast enough—is more common in women. In contrast, men traditionally feel a heaviness in the chest. Anyone noticing a change in breathing, chest pressure during activity or a decrease in energy levels should get their symptoms checked.

“Don’t dismiss the symptoms as a byproduct of stress or being overweight, even if you’re experiencing those issues too,” said Dr. Kramer. “Talk to your doctor.”

Back in the game thanks to a healthy heart

Tom’s close attention to his body and willingness to seek medical advice when he notices a change has helped save his life. 

Using the data of the HeartFlow test to inform the best treatment, Tom significantly reduced his risk of a future heart attack.

“I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle and be at my son’s wedding,” he said, also noting that he became a grandfather two years after his procedure. “I’m very excited about all the life events I can now say I was around for.”

Tom is a sales representative for HeartFlow, but he was the last person he thought would ever need to use the technology. "I didn’t think I’d be the poster child for this," he said. "I have no family history of heart disease at all." Thankfully, his professional link with the new technology helped make him aware that his symptoms were a sign to get checked out by his doctor.