Patient Stories: At the Heart of It All

Hear all about the amazing things our patients have accomplished because of the care they’ve received from our heart team.

Renewed Hope After Being Diagnosed with Heart Failure

Jennie Stead from Roscommon just wanted her life back after getting diagnosed with obstructive pulmonary disease - a form of heart failure. She started pulmonary therapy at Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord and the team noticed her heart rate was dangerously low. A cardiologist from Munson Medical Center traveled from Traverse City to Houghton Lake to perform an EKG to confirm her worst fears: she needed immediate surgery to implant a pacemaker. The surgery was successful and gave her hope despite a scary diagnosis.

What is Heart Failure?

Patients experience heart failure when their heart is no longer pumping as strongly or filling as efficiently. Heart failure will not go away on its own, but can be managed through heart therapies or surgery. The goal is to extend the life of patients like Jennie so they can remain active and return to a thriving life. Learn more about the symptoms of heart failure and treatment options available.

Traveling the World with Heart Failure

Kate Trainer of Traverse City traveled the world pursuing her love of birds. She thought her traveling days were over after a diagnosis of idiopathic heart failure and several relapses and hospitalizations. Dino Recchia, MD, FACC and the heart team in the Heart Failure Program in Traverse City recommended implanting a CardioMEMS device.

This brand-new technology allows patients like Kate the ability to travel and carry on a normal life. Today, Kate plugs in the machine and a daily reading is sent to her heart team. She receives expert heart care regardless of where the birds are flying.

What is the CardioMEMS Device?

The CardioMEMS device is implanted into a patient's coronary artery. Each day the patient plugs in the machine and a reading is automatically sent to the expert cardiologists at the Heart Failure Program. This heart failure technology gives patients their life back with fewer hospital visits while keeping them connected with their heart care team. Learn more about heart failure technology available through the Heart Failure Program in Traverse City.