Not all emergencies happen suddenly.
Some develop slowly, with symptoms that may not always be what they seem. That was the case for Rod Jensen, who attributed his symptoms to digestive issues, when a far greater threat was brewing.
“I was fatigued,” explains Rod. “I would go home literally exhausted, and just want to lay there. Pretty soon I had pains in my chest every morning. I tried to treat myself for a year, telling myself, ‘Okay, this is acid reflux.’”
But the pain only worsened. In July of last year Rod scheduled an appointment with family physician Dr. Martha Hageman, who urgently referred him to our cardiology team. Rod received an ultrasound and cardiac stress test, and then met with our cardiologist, Dr. David Gonzalez. Dr. Gonzalez performed a diagnostic angiogram, which revealed an impending emergency.
About 800,000 heart attacks occur in the US each year. A “widowmaker” heart attack can be experienced by both men and women. It’s a particularly dangerous type of heart attack that happens when there’s a blockage in a person’s left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Rod’s LAD was 90% blocked.
Rod underwent a coronary artery bypass graft – or CABG procedure – at EIRMC in Idaho Falls. He encourages others to take action with their heart health and contact our cardiac team. “If you’re the least bit worried, get the referral, get the stress test done, and trust them.”
Rod is completing his post-surgery recovery with Star Valley Physical Therapy and has received guidance on nutrition and healthy living from our team. He’s now back on his feet and back to work, with a heart full of gratitude.
“I’m walking around three miles a day,” says Rod. “I’ve gone from a person walking the edge of an inevitable heart attack to fully functional. This has totally made a change in my life. It’s fantastic.”
To schedule an appointment with our cardiac team, call 307.885.5852.
