I subsequently had coronary angiography that indicated three arterial blockages ranging from 50% to 95%. Like the electrocardiogram, the results of the stress test indicated a problem. But I did not believe there was anything seriously wrong, either I was certain it was a mistake. I did not take seeing a cardiologist lightly. “I want you to see a cardiologist immediately, today.” So, 3 hours after my “routine” examination, I found myself undergoing a thorough cardiac examination and an exercise stress test. “Joe, the test indicates a possible obstruction of the coronary artery,” my doctor said. The results now, however, were drastically different. A previous electrocardiogram had been performed just 4 months earlier, and the results then had been normal. The results of an electrocardiogram, however, were not. The examination indicated that my lungs were fine. I had seen him just 4 months earlier for an annual physical and the results then were excellent, so I was not expecting anything more than a short visit and perhaps a prescription. “I've got a problem in my lungs, probably a touch of bronchitis,” I told him. But one day, it remained with me through 2 hours of play. I ignored the pain, hoping it would just go away. By the end of the warm-up, it would usually disappear. The pain was dull, more like a feeling of fullness or pressure. For about a month, I had experienced shortness of breath and a low-grade but nagging chest pain as I warmed up to play tennis. I was bewildered as to why I was there.įive days earlier, I had been to see my family doctor about what I thought was a bronchial problem. It was a hot afternoon in July 1977, and for the second time in a week I was seated in the office of a prominent cardiologist in Tacoma, Washington. What I had to be taught for rehabilitation I could have learned for prevention. In retrospect, it was a hard way to learn important lessons. That experience became the motivating force for me to understand the impact of lifestyle habits on health and to take action to improve them. My daughter was 6 years old my son was just 4. My wife and I had not yet celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. In 1977, I underwent coronary bypass surgery. There would be time, I thought, to improve my numbers and my health in the future. My cholesterol was too high, I could stand to lose a few pounds, and my exercise regimen was sporadic. Sure, there were things that could have been improved. Serious diseases such as heart disease and cancer happened to other people. For the first 33 years of my life, healthy living took a back seat to other, seemingly more important things that took my time and interest: my family, work, and community. Looking back on my life, I would love to tell you that my commitment to healthy living was the result of native intelligence, but it was not. As a result, I make a serious effort to eat healthy, exercise effectively, manage stress, avoid cigarette smoke, and keep a positive attitude. In order to differentiate highly-regarded doctors from the rest for patients in search of quality care, Vitals awards Top 10 Doctor honors to those physicians within a certain specialty and geographic area who are consistently given top ratings by their patients.I am a believer in the efficacy of healthy lifestyle choices for the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). Top 10 Doctors are chosen by the millions of patients who visit Vitals each year to find a new doctor and share their experiences by providing ratings and reviews. This honor is granted to a few distinct doctors in the United States based on experiences shared by patients. Vitals Compassionate Doctor Award - 5 Year Honoree recognizes doctors with the highest scores in bedside manner for five consecutive years. Compassionate Doctor Award - 5 Year Honoree (2014, 2013). Only 1% of all doctors in the United States are bestowed this honor by their patients. The Patients' Choice Award - 5 Year Honoree is a recognition granted only to those doctors whose ratings have reflected excellence in care for five years in a row. The honor is granted based on a physician's overall and promptness scores. Vitals On-Time + Promptness Award recognizes doctors with consistent high ratings for timeliness of appointments. The honor is granted based on a physician's overall and bedside manner scores. Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009)Ĭompassionate Doctor certification is granted to physicians who treat their patients with the utmost kindness.The honor is bestowed to physicians who have received near perfect scores, as voted by patients. Patients' Choice recognition reflects the difference a particular physician has made in the lives of his/her patients.
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