For Augie’s first heart attack, he was lucky enough to be in the hospital when it happened. While dealing with some lung issues, he complained to his doctor that he had a tremendous pain in his jaw and neck. Recognizing these as signs of a heart attack, Augie’s doctor got him stabilized and sent him to Sanford in Fargo where he had two stents put in and then one more a few months later. Stents are a tiny wire mesh tube that keeps a blocked artery open so blood can flow to the heart.

Augie’s heart problems started about thirty years ago when he was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, a serious sleeping disorder that causes a person to repeatedly stop and start breathing while sleeping. Augie would stop breathing over 100 times an hour which put a serious strain on his heart. After Augie’s heart attack, he continued to see his primary care provider at Perham Health, Dr. Roza Glessing who worked closely with Augie’s cardiology team in Fargo. She keeps a close eye on him. It was recommended that Augie try Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Cardiac Rehab is a medically supervised program to improve heart health after a heart attack. Three times a week, he works with Katie and Dani at Perham Health. Katie and Dani put Augie through a routine of biking, walking, and teaching him about heart-healthy living. They are a vital part of Augie’s team and monitor Augie’s blood pressure. If they see anything wrong, they are on the phone with Dr. Glessing.

After Augie’s second heart attack, his life was greatly diminished. “I couldn’t breathe, I didn’t have any ambition. I didn’t have any stamina. I could hardly walk out to the garage without having to stop and catch my breath.” Something needed to be done. The cardiologists in Fargo had tried everything. His cardiology nurse practitioner works regularly with a cardiologist at the University of Minnesota and consults with her on difficult cases. She decided to call her to discuss Augie’s case to see if she had any suggestions. Augie had an appointment after that phone call.

In September of 2020, he spent a week at the University of Minnesota doing testing and trying different things. Over the week, they kept adjusting his medications until Augie began to feel better. For a few weeks after Augie went home, they continued to talk on the phone and refine his medications until they got it just right. They also restarted him on cardiac rehab. The combination of adjusting the meds and cardiac rehab is doing the trick. “They finally got my meds right and with the cardiac rehab, I feel better than ever. It’s made all the difference in the world. I didn’t really figure I would last another 6 months the way things were going. I really didn’t. Now I’m good for another ten or fifteen.” says Augie. His wife, Kellie Ann is finally letting him drive again.

Augie and Kellie Ann feel that it is a real team effort. His providers in Perham, Fargo, and the University of Minnesota all work hand in hand to keep Augie healthy. “Having a place and the doctors and nurses that care and really watch out for me. I can’t thank them enough for the way things are going.” Augie’s advice for others, “The past catches up to you. Watch your diet, exercise, and do what the doctors tell you to. And if you’re as unlucky as I am, make sure you have the team that I have that are making sure that I am doing as well as I can. I am thankful they are really caring,” Augie says.

If you have questions or concerns about your own heart health, we encourage you to make an appointment with your provider. Learn more about cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation services at Perham Health.