Cardiac rehab gives security guard a new lease on life

In January of 2019, Eric was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and diabetes. Through an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program at Hennepin Healthcare, Eric was able to fully recover and now has a new lease on life.

“I feel like I’m 18 years old again!” he says.

As a security guard, Eric is a regular presence in the hallways of Hennepin Healthcare. It’s his job to ensure everyone is safe and keep hospital operations running smoothly. His role abruptly changed when he was admitted as a patient and had to have two stents placed in his coronary arteries.

A diagnosis of coronary artery disease meant he had many lifestyle changes to consider: reducing stress, exercising regularly, eating healthier foods and quitting smoking. The new double diagnosis felt overwhelming with all the new things he had to learn and understand.

Eric started cardiac rehab, a multi-session program that helps patients recover and prevent a future heart attack or stroke.

Part of the orientation to cardiac rehab involves setting goals. One of Eric’s main goals was to return to work, which for him meant walking 24,000 steps a day and the possibility of having to run in an emergency. To prepare for this, the cardiac rehab team started him on a walk/jog program on the treadmill. His program was derailed briefly when he experienced foot pain, but after a bit of rest, he was back on track.

Eric decided to complete his cardiac program after 20 sessions and the okay from his doctor to return to work in full capacity in March. He and his wife both successfully quit smoking! Eric now uses the treadmill at the YMCA 20-30 minutes three or four times a week, on top of all the walking he does at his job. He is happy to be healthy and back on the job where he keeps a watchful eye on patients, visitors, staff, information and medications at Hennepin Healthcare.

Learn more about how MDH supports cardiac rehab.