Wake-up call: A patient’s journey to heart health

Joe D’Orazio always knew he had a family history of heart disease, but like many of us, he thought he was invincible.

“I thought it wasn’t going to happen to me,” he admitted.

But at the age of 58, reality struck hard. While flying from Orange County, Calif., to Chicago, Joe suffered a heart attack.

“I was scared,” Joe recalled. “One moment I was fine, and the next, I was having chest pain and feeling dizzy. I knew something was wrong.”

Fortunately, a doctor on the plane kept him comfortable until they landed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where Joe was rushed to a nearby hospital. The doctors deemed him too high-risk to transport home to Madison, and two days later, Joe underwent open heart surgery in Chicago.

“It all happened so fast,” Joe said. “I didn’t have time to process it.”

After a week in the hospital, he was finally able to return home, but his journey was far from over. Joe needed to undergo cardiac rehab to regain his strength and learn how to manage his heart health. A quick call to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison got Joe admitted into its cardiac rehab program. He began rehab immediately, working with a dedicated team of professionals who guided him through the process.

Cardiac rehab is a supervised exercise program designed for heart patients. It involves exercise (aerobic training, strength training and stretching), risk factor education and support from staff who are trained and educated to work with this specific population.

Patients who attend Cardiac Rehab reduce their risk for a future heart event and have improved quality of life, said Karissa Boeke, a clinical exercise physiologist at St. Mary’s Hospital.

“Cardiac rehab can improve your strength and endurance, help reinforce healthy lifestyle changes and build confidence,” she said. “I think it is important for patients to have reassurance they can exercise and feel safe.”

Joe said the highly skilled team at St. Mary’s was incredible, pushing him when he needed it and supporting him every step of the way. He completed the initial program and decided to continue with the maintenance program, recognizing the need for permanent lifestyle changes.

“I knew I couldn’t go back to my old habits,” he says. “This was my second chance.”

Joe credits the passion and professionalism of the cardiac team at St. Mary’s Hospital for his successful recovery.

“They have all become family,” Joe says. “They’ve educated me on heart disease and wellness and really helped me wake up. I have two kids. I was in their shoes with my dad. We all need to take this as a lesson.”

Joe’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of taking heart health seriously, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Don’t wait for a crisis to make a change.

Here are some steps you can take today to protect your heart:

• Know your family history: Be aware of any family history of heart disease and discuss it with your doctor.
• Regular checkups: Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your heart health and catch any issues early.
• Healthy lifestyle: Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
• Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or hobbies you enjoy.
• Stay informed: Educate yourself about heart disease and the steps you can take to prevent it.

Your heart health is in your hands. Let SSM Health’s heart and vascular team help. Make an appointment today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.