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Mark Lovelace, of Ballard, Missouri, went into congestive heart failure at the age of 40 after an unknown virus attacked his heart.

"I was shocked," Lovelace said. "I considered myself pretty healthy before this happened."

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition that occurs when the heart can't pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs. During this time, Lovelace also had atrial fibrillation, which is a type of abnormal heartbeat, and his ejection fraction got as low as 8%. (Ejection fraction is a measurement, expressed as a percentage, of how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. A normal ejection fraction range for men is between 52% and 72%.)

Lovelace was transferred to a hospital in Kansas City for treatment. While he was there, his doctors recommended placement of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), which is a mechanical pump that is surgically implanted into a patient's chest to help the heart's left ventricle pump blood.

Lovelace opted to get the LVAD and was discharged from the hospital to home just five days after surgery. His first ejection fraction measurement after the LVAD was placed was 15%, indicating that it was working as it should.

Lovelace started cardiac rehabilitation at Cass Regional Medical Center shortly after his discharge. At first, he was very weak and had a difficult time even walking to the Cardiac Rehab department.

"When I was first diagnosed, I was told it [the CHF] would never get better. The more I came into Cass Regional and made cardiac rehab a priority, the better I got," Lovelace said. "In one month, I got up to working out for about an hour each visit. I knew I was getting better—I could feel it."

Lovelace's most recent ejection fraction measurement was 20%, and the right side of his heart is no longer in failure. He is currently awaiting a heart transplant.

Lovelace is thankful for the love and support that his family—especially his wife, Stephanie, and his parents—have given him throughout his ordeal. He also credits the Cardiac Rehab staff for helping him regain strength and confidence.

"I started cardiac rehab and did it for six months," Lovelace said. "I decided to stay committed and do four extra months to make sure I was strong enough."

"It was a pleasure working with Mark," said Terry Johns, RN, BSN, Cardiac Rehabilitation manager. "His determination paid off. He is back to work and feeling great, fishing and spending valuable time with his family!"

Santa Claus comes to Cass Regional

Al Buford, one of Santa's helpers, graduated from Cass Regional's Cardiac Rehabilitation program earlier this year. To celebrate, and to express his appreciation for the staff, he put on his Santa suit for a workout. Now he is ready for all the activities of the holiday season!

Categories: Cardiac Rehab