Gary Aspelin has lived a life of wonder and adventure, traveling to almost 40 countries with his wife of over 50 years by his side. After a shocking discovery at his annual physical, Gary was faced with a new kind of adventure — fixing his heart. Gary noticed that while doing yard work, he would … Continue reading How a routine physical detected this man’s dangerous heart blockage
Serving others plays a large role in the day-to-day work at Baylor Scott & White Health, but some members of the team go above and beyond to embody the true meaning of serving others in need — even when it takes them to another continent. Lima, Peru, is home to one of the oldest hospitals … Continue reading Cardiac surgeon “Saving Hearts” in home country of Peru
For a doctor, the hardest conversation you ever have with patients is when you have to tell them, “No, there’s nothing I can do for you.” I went into medicine to make folks better. When you can’t do that, it’s like admitting your own fallibility. You feel you’ve hit a brick wall. Until just a … Continue reading How TAVR has changed patient recovery for those with aortic stenosis
Danny McCoy is not your average 72-year-old. The retiree who previously worked in recreational property management in Houston completed a half-marathon without any prior training while in his fifties. He lived an active life. Prior to his race, Danny thought it wise to request a stress test through his primary care physician. Now, more than … Continue reading 72-year-old returns to active life following coronary artery bypass surgery
Sternotomies — the medical term for splitting open the chest to reach the heart — get the headlines. Transplants, bypasses and other open-heart surgeries are amazing, dramatic and lifesaving, the stuff of riveting documentaries and poignant narratives. By many measures, including transplants, Baylor Scott & White Health is one of the nation’s leaders in healing … Continue reading Leading the nation in healing hearts: The evolution of heart surgery
Bill Ruth can’t imagine a lifestyle that doesn’t involve physical activity — biking, running and swimming are his passions. As a former professional triathlete and 24-year high school track coach, he and wife Sherry start almost every day with a run together. When the 64-year-old noticed a decline in his running performance, he assumed it … Continue reading Lifesaving heart valve surgery restored triathlete’s active life
Firefighters are part of a tight network, where word travels quickly when a colleague is in need. A telephone call between two North Texas fire departments created an opportunity for the cardiac rehabilitation team at Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth to employ a unique “return to work” program for Bradley Burney, a … Continue reading Cardiac rehab program gets fire captain back in fire-fighting shape
Dressed in military fatigues and wearing his 46-pound pack, David Long looked a little out of place on the third floor of the Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center. But David fits the industrial athlete cardiac rehab program perfectly. Serving both overseas and in the U.S., David has spent nearly 17 years of his career repairing … Continue reading Cardiac rehabilitation a game-changer for jet mechanic
Lori Johnson knew she’d been feeling tired — even more tired than usual — coupled with a tough time getting adequate sleep. Her doctors had previously told her she may have congestive heart failure, but she didn’t fully appreciate what that meant until one day at work in 2012. “Call 911,” the 54 year old told … Continue reading Woman’s heart valve surgery a life-changing experience
During or after a patient undergoes surgery, the way they breathe can be one of the most important indicators of their medical status. Physicians closely monitor the rate which air passes through the lungs. Good breath flow is a good sign compared to irregular or noisy breathing that raises serious red flags. An increasing respirator rate … Continue reading Respiratory Rate: The Neglected Vital Sign
