Special to IFN

When cardiac issues strike, it’s comforting to know there is a cardiac rehab facility right in your backyard.

Rick Carney was born with a bicuspid aortic valve – a congenital heart defect – that later in life required open heart surgery. The aortic valve connects the left ventricle, responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body, to the aorta, which is the main blood vessel leading to the body.

Typical aortic valves have three cusps (flaps) that open and close synchronous to heartbeats. Some people, like Carney, are born with only two cusps, resulting in a bicuspid aortic valve.

“Over the years, my doctor and I had been watching my aortic valve and, as I got older, it became smaller and stiffer,” said Carney. “I had open heart surgery and had the aortic valve replaced. While they were in there, they did a partial bypass on one artery.”

After surgery, he learned about the opportunity to participate in cardiac rehabilitation at Iredell Health System.

Carney initially didn’t see the need for rehab. Like many cardiac patients, he was skeptical of the benefits. The need for rehab became apparent when he realized he could barely walk after previously accomplishing two to three miles a day.

“Everyone kept encouraging me to do rehab,” recalled Carney. “I said, ‘Well, let’s give it a try.’ I can just tell you – the world of difference going all the way through the program has been great.”

Although Carney’s surgery was performed at a facility in Charlotte, the providers there assured him the continuance of care at Iredell would be top-notch.

“I didn’t even know about cardiac rehab until all this came up. When I found out that it was in my back door, I said ‘this is the way to go.’”

Cardiac rehab has been offered at Iredell Health System for more than 40 years. It helps patients who have had a heart problem or surgery get back to their day-to-day activities and improve their heart health. Iredell’s cardiac rehab not only provides excellent medical care, but their personal touches, knowledge, and compassion truly elevate the patient experience.

“Amy Hendry, cardiac rehab nurse, posts a positive note on the board every day, so there’s always a great thought right there. I love the way the staff come around while you’re working out and, of course, they’re checking your vitals, but they’re also talking to you about life and about yourself and about their day. One of the things that was very helpful to me was the classes they offer following each exercise session. Every class I learned something that was positive and helpful. I have things that I do today because of them,” recounted Carney. “What they’re really doing is preparing you to grow and continue your health and get you where you need to be. They help to set you up to be successful.”

Carney calls Iredell County home, having raised four children here with his wife Lori. He has served on staff at The Cove Church for more than 20 years as a pastor. A self-proclaimed people-person, he continues to serve the community through ministry and is a licensed North Carolina real estate agent.

He credits Iredell cardiac rehab for preparing him to continue the work he loves.

“There are days that I did not want to come before I got here, but when I got here, I was glad I came.”

LEARN MORE

Iredell Health System’s cardiac rehab facility is accepting new patients. Talk to your physician about a referral.

About Iredell Health System

Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; two urgent care centers; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare facility has 247 beds; more than 1,800 employees; and has 260 physicians representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The Health System’s second campus, Iredell Mooresville, is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing together. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.