Mon, Feb 27, 2023 at 06:16 PM

Cardiac Rehab program a lifesaver for heart disease patients

Mike Hall knows first-hand how beneficial Cardiac Rehab is for those who have heart disease. While he is a big fan of the program, he hopes to graduate and not look back. That’s because Hall is going through cardiac rehabilitation for the third and - with a little luck - final time.

“I hope I’m not doing this again,” said the 71-year-old Albertville man.

Hall has Coronary Artery Disease, which is caused by plaque buildup in the wall of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Six years ago he had six bypasses. He’s had a blood clot, half a dozen stents and a defibrillator. For each heart event he’s suffered, Hall has put in 36 visits to the Cardiac Rehab program at Marshall South Wellness Center. He works up to a solid hour of cardio exercise.

“I’m doing better now than I have been,” he says while walking on a treadmill.

Hall is in the spotlight for Heart Month, which is observed every February to bring attention to the importance of heart health.

“He’s been one of our superb patients,” Nurse Kellie Brooks says of Hall. “He shows effort and does anything we ask him to do. He’s come a long way.”

Brooks, who has worked in the program since 2017, averages 50 patients a week. If they experience another cardiac event, they start over in the program. Cardiac Rehab is literally a lifesaver for those with heart issues.

“It absolutely extends life,” she said of the program. “It builds up the heart muscle and prevents progression of heart disease.”

In addition to exercise, diet issues are addressed. The program also treats pulmonary patients and those with congestive heart failure.

Hall left Marshall County for Orlando to work 40 years in corporate management. He retired and moved back home to care for his mother. Hall has six sons and encourages them to take care of their health. His father had heart problems and he assumes he inherited it. His great-great grandfather, however, lived to the age of 104.

“I don’t think I’m going to make it that far but I’m going to try my best.”