When David McCormick’s cough didn’t go away after several weeks, he decided to see a pulmonologist to find out what was going on. She recommended that I undergo a CT scan which revealed severe calcification of the coronary arteries.

“I couldn’t believe what she was saying,” McCormick said. “All I had was a simple cough. I didn’t have any chest pain or shortness of breath. There was nothing to indicate that I had a heart problem. So I made an appointment to see a cardiologist. , he looked at the x-rays and CT scan, also took another x-ray of the chest cavity, and advised me to take a stress test, which I did and failed.

“From there I went to the catheterization lab because it was thought that the blockage could potentially allow a stent to be inserted. Unfortunately, the blockage was too severe to go that route. It was very discouraging and scary to say that.”

McCormick learned he had 85% of his coronary arteries blocked. Because of the high mortality rate caused by such blockages, this condition is often referred to as widowmaker. Her other two arteries were approximately 75 percent and 65 percent blocked.

“I realized it was like having a ticking time bomb,” he said. “My cardiologist, Dr. Udell, advised me to plan for a triple bypass as soon as possible. Everything happened very quickly, only seven or eight weeks after I visited the pulmonologist with a persistent cough.

And that was right before the holidays. It’s certainly not the most convenient time, but I knew it was what I had to do if I wanted to live a long life. ”

“David came to me after doctors investigated and tested him and found that he had a significant blockage in all three of his heart’s major blood vessels,” Cleveland Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Research said. said Dr. James Udell, a cardiologist and director of the facility. Indian River Hospital Clinic. “If the blockage is in a specific location and the patient has other risk factors involved, coronary artery bypass is the best option.”

The fact that Mr. McCormick had no obvious symptoms is not all that unusual, given that he is a diabetic and many patients with a history of diabetes do not have chest pain.

“Coronary artery bypass was chosen as a treatment for two reasons: the location and extent of the blockage, and his diabetes,” Dr. Udell explained. “Twenty years ago, only about 15 percent of people who underwent heart surgery had diabetes. Today, nearly 60 percent of people who undergo bypass surgery have diabetes.

“Bypass surgery uses the patient’s own blood vessels to bypass the narrowing, whether it’s through the chest or the upper legs, just like bypassing a bad road,” Dr. Udell said. “Not only do we avoid 80 to 90 percent of obstacles, but we also avoid obstacles that are 20 to 30 percent narrower and may become a problem in four to five years.” The main feature of coronary artery bypass surgery is that It protects people from heart attacks in the long term because it bypasses other areas of the heart.”

The surgery took several hours, and McCormick was hospitalized for four days. He had surgery in early December and was swinging a club on the golf course six weeks later.

“Recovery from bypass surgery has been simplified considerably over the past years, allowing people to return to normal life more quickly,” continued Dr. Udell. “Anesthesia techniques have also gotten better. We now have a better and better understanding of how to put the sternum back together and how to perform surgeries. We also have a better understanding of what people can do safely during recovery. It is now possible.”

After surgery, McCormick recovered at home with the help of a home health professional and his wife, who happens to be a nurse. He started cardiac rehab, walking on a treadmill and doing weight training, and now every day he walks at least a mile outside.

Mr McCormick’s condition was discovered during a test after seeing a pulmonologist for a cough, but he credits that test and the doctor’s professional care with saving his life.

Dr. Udell encouraged people to talk to their local caregiver or doctor to see if they are eligible for screening, given their medical history, age and family history.

“About 80 percent of all our health problems are environmentally related,” Dr. Udell continued. “That means it has to do with diet, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, and stress. These are things we can control, and the most important thing is what we eat. Fruits and vegetables are part of our daily diet. It is important to transition to consuming more plant-based protein, which should be at the forefront of your intake.

“We don’t all have to be vegetarians or vegans, but we should focus on relying on vegetables, plant-based proteins, fresh fish, etc. Going outside and walking in the sunlight can also help The sun is great not only physically but also mentally.

Taking care of your mental health, managing stress, and having friends and social connections are also very important. ”

Although coronary artery disease is hereditary, Dr. Udell was quick to point out that those genes do not determine fate. Taking care of yourself is the best prevention.

“If there’s one thing I want readers to take away from my story, it’s to listen to your body and follow up with your doctor if you notice anything unusual,” McCormick said. That’s true.” “It was by chance that I found out I had a blockage in my heart. If I hadn’t gone to a pulmonologist for a persistent cough, I would never have found out and probably would have died.” I am forever grateful for the care of all the doctors involved as I look forward to living a longer, healthier life.”

Dr. James Wudel received his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency at Vanderbilt University Hospital. He then completed his residency in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of California, Cleveland, where he served as chief resident at the Clinic Foundation. His office is located at his Rosner Family Health and Wellness Center at 3450 11th Court in Vero Beach. He can call 877-463-2010 to make an appointment.