Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/50993
Racing toward a Healthier Heart W hen 48-year-old Gerard Melley of Perrineville began training for a 5-mile Memorial Day race, he never expected to experience shortness of breath and chest pain. Although he maintained a healthful diet, exercised regularly, and didn't smoke, his 2010 spring training grew increasingly difficult for him to complete. A seasoned runner, Gerard knew that running a few miles shouldn't be giving him so much trouble. "I completed my Memorial Day weekend race, but I still wasn't sure what was going on with my body," Gerard says. "After the race, I decided to switch from running to biking for exercise to see if my symptoms would go away, but they didn't." Taking acTion Since all symptoms continued to point toward heart disease, Gerard reported them to his physician. "Once I visited my cardiologist around mid-August 2010 and underwent a variety of tests, I learned that I had five arterial blockages," Gerard says. "By Sept.15, 2010, I was hospitalized for catheterization." All blockages were successfully unclogged after an angioplasty and the placement of four stents. The recovery, though, was only beginning. "Months after surgery, I was still struggling to recover," Gerard says. "When 2011 rolled around, I decided to pursue cardiac rehabilitation at CentraState Medical Center." EducaTing and REhabiliTaTing After choosing CentraState for his care, Gerard enrolled in an eight-week cardiac rehabilitation program. "Our cardiac rehabilitation program is designed for patients who have suffered a heart attack, have stable angina, or have undergone valve surgery or a heart transplant," says Betty Cortese, RN, BC, BSN, cardiac rehabilitation nurse at CentraState. "Incorporating exercise and dietary education, our multidisciplinary approach is implemented by an advanced cardiac life support-certified staff." www.centrastate.com After cardiac rehabilitation at CentraState, Gerard Melley is enjoying life with his wife and two daughters. CentraState's cardiac rehabilitation program, which is credentialed through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, aims to improve the overall health of patients by providing exercise safety and healthy lifestyle education. Depending on a patient's risk, programs can range from 18 to 36 sessions. "Although I suffered no damage to my heart, my arteries were dangerously blocked," Gerard says. "I attended cardiac rehabilitation three days a week for about an hour and 15 minutes per session. We learned about medication safety, lifestyle changes, and how to cope with a cardiac condition." a nEw lEasE on lifE After weeks of monitored physical activity, dietary education, and more, Gerard continues to run and is now back to biking 15 to 20 miles each day. "The cardiac rehabilitation program at CentraState got me on track and gave me my life back," Gerard says. "I'm convinced I wouldn't be where I am today without the guidance of CentraState." To learn more about cardiac rehabilitation services at CentraState, visit www.centrastate.com/cardiacrehab. On Feb. 3, 2012, CentraState will take part in National Wear Red Day to bring attention to the leading cause of death among females—heart disease. For more information, visit www.goredforwomen.org. HD January/February 2012 3