David Splan
David Splan had been the picture of good health. Years of Marine life and college gymnastics had taught him the benefits of exercise. He hiked regularly, went to the health club six times a week and coached gymnastics. Then, while running one day, David only got as far as 50 feet before he felt nauseous and started having chest pains.
“I knew what the symptoms were, but I was afraid and didn’t do anything,” David admits.
When David finally had a stress test at his community hospital, he learned he had already had a heart attack. David lived another year with his artery fully blocked. At the urging of his family physician, David decided to go to Loyola.
At Loyola, David’s cardiovascular team — led by John Moran, MD, professor, medicine, cardiology, along with Fred Leya, MD, professor, cardiology, and director, cardiac catheterization laboratory — helped him recognize his risk factors and developed a personal treatment plan. They also found three blockages.
Three heart stents later, David awoke from surgery feeling better than he could remember. “I hadn’t felt that well in two years. I had so much energy, I couldn’t sit still.” David was challenged to lower his cholesterol. “When Dr. Leya told me that I had to get a handle on this, I knew I had to listen. No man in my family has lived past 56. I was doing everything right, and it wasn’t enough.”
David is down to a healthier cholesterol level. He’s eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying away from fatty foods. And he’s having no trouble staying active. “I’m very grateful,” David explained. “I feel like I’ve gotten a second chance to live.”
“We like to involve the patient as a partner in the treatment,” said Dr. Leya. “The patient, physicians and family of the patient need to team up. We stress prevention. After that, it’s about risk factor normalization.”
For David, normal is an incredible place to be.
To make an appointment with a doctor at the Loyola Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine, call (888) LUHS-888 and ask for extension 6-4059.