Cardiovascular Diseases in Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Patients Share 'Stories of the Heart' with Health Care Providers

Mayo Clinic heart patients and family members shared their stories in "Stories of the Heart: Through the Eyes of Our Patients." This second event — the first occurred in 2005 — took place on Thursday, Feb. 8 and Friday, Feb. 9.

Patients share stories with Mayo staff members, who may not otherwise realize the lasting impact they have on patients and their family members, says David Hayes, M.D., chair of the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases. About 900 staff members attended.

"It is through these stories that we find meaning and purpose for our lives and our professions," Dr. Hayes says. "It is rewarding to see patients do well and get back to their usual productive lives, and it's important to realize that the health care experience they have is dependent on every member of the team, from the secretary or receptionist who first makes contact with the patient, to the technician, nurse, custodian and physician."

Three patient stories were told through videotaped interviews. These patients and their family members attended and spoke to health care providers about their care and experiences at Mayo Clinic.

Here are their stories:

• For the past 20 years, a 66-year-old Wisconsin man has fought heart disease with medications and procedures and twice had heart bypass surgery. When chest pain resurfaced three years ago, his Mayo physician told the patient about a clinical trial, which the patient joined. Today, his chest pain has improved considerably, so he can work and enjoy life.

• A woman in her late 30s believed she was healthy. A diagnosis of bronchitis, though, led to sudden diagnoses of congestive heart failure, severe coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy. A pacemaker was implanted but the device was not enough, and she ended up needing coronary artery bypass surgery. Following heart surgery she made lifestyle changes; she exercises regularly, follows a restricted diet and takes medication. Today — one year after her heart surgery — this high school teacher and mother of two sons is doing well.

• A woman in her early 50s had no history of heart disease until she had a heart attack in the summer of 2005. This led to congestive heart failure and the need to have an artificial heart implanted until she could receive a heart transplant. She had heart transplant surgery in April 2006. Today, this wife and mother of two college-age daughters is doing well.