Heart Tips, Recipes and Research
Find tips on eating healthy, staying fit and reducing stress to advice on chronic disease management. We have many articles and recipes to help support a healthy heart.
Patient Stories
At Henry Ford Health System, we don’t just treat illness or disease. We treat people. Our patients’ lives are touched by the compassion, dedication and expertise of our staff in thousands of different ways every day, whether it’s a lifesaving treatment or simply a reassuring smile and kind word. Every patient’s story is unique. We are grateful for those who allow us to share their stories here:
A Reason to Celebrate
Chad Patterson never thought he would be having a heart attack on his 49th birthday. With the help from his heart care team at Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Chad had a 100% blockage removed and later underwent transradial cardiac catherization to remove four additional blockages.
Getting Back on the Court
Matthew was one of the first patients to successfully undergo Ekosonic Endovascular System (EKOS) therapy at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital to treat massive clots. Allowing him to get back to coaching basketball.
Coach Gets Second Chance
An average day turned into one of the most frightening experiences for youth sports coach, Chuck Singleton. He collapsed and suffered a heart attack at his home and was rushed to Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.
Teamwork Saves a Life
Ever since his heart stopped suddenly while playing hockey at the Optimist Ice Arena in Jackson, Sheldon Brafford says that he knows who his friends are and what is truly important in life.
Grateful for Generous Donation
A newly-donated portable heart-lung support system is credited as the crucial component in saving the life of a 49-year old patient, Michelle Rachuk, at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.
The Heart of the Family
Karen Glugla, mother of four, had her second heart attack before age 46 due to a rare heart condition called SCAD.
Motivation from the Heart
Ten years ago, Scott Salow was one of the youngest people to have open-heart surgery at the Henry Ford Allegiance Heart and Vascular Center.
Walking the Halls Much Easier
Knee pain may have saved Western School District Superintendent Michael Smajda from a major heart attack.
A New Lease on Life
Hana Sarkees spent last New Year’s Eve dancing at a celebration with her family. But on Jan. 2, 2017, she suffered a massive heart attack and stroke.
Bringing Cars Back to Life
Restoring classic cars can be rewarding, but the hard work takes a toll on the body. This was the case for classic car specialist Ron Hausmann, who started to experience pain in his hips and joints.
Active and Energized
After successful open-heart surgery at Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Rochelle says she has more energy and is more active than she has been in a long time.
Feeling Stronger
As someone who hit the gym hard four to five times a week, Carl Miller thought he was immune to cardiac disease—until his first heart attack at age 43.
Marathon
A Gulf War veteran, longtime federal law enforcement special agent, and marathon runner Greg Weglowski never expected to experience a heart attack - and definitely not at 40.
Remote Monitoring Saves AFib Patient
Mary Neff knew something was off and wasn’t feeling well. When she began to experience heaviness in her chest, she paid a visit to an interventional cardiologist.
The Best Gift
After suffering a massive heart attack, Bryan Runstadler was rushed to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital and received life-saving emergency cardiac support and bypass surgery.
"I’m Grateful Every Day"
"They got be back on my feet right away and that helped me get back to my farm work,” he said. “I didn’t sit in a recliner after retirement, and I couldn’t just sit still after my surgery."
The Right Call
Within seven months of having quadruple bypass surgery at Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Scott was back on the field refereeing varsity football, and was able to referee the entire basketball season.
