“Other than my age and family history, I didn’t have any risk factors,” says Brian. “I have always been proactive about my health and go to the doctor regularly, so this was a surprise.”

They went straight to the Emergency Room at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, where the team ran several tests. Although the tests came back normal, Brian’s blood pressure continued to rise, so the team monitored him overnight.

Atul Chawla, MD, Interventional Cardiologist from MercyOne Iowa Heart Center ordered an angiogram, which is a test that uses X-rays to see if the heart’s blood vessels are narrowed or blocked.

“They found a severe blockage right away,” said Tami. “His left main artery was 99% blocked and Dr. Chawla was concerned it could close at any moment. He needed a balloon pump, temporary pacemaker and urgent open-heart surgery.”

-Submitted photo
The birth of Brian Fredericks’ granddaughter Harlee was a great incentive for him as he recovered from a heart attack and cardiac surgery.

After they completed the angiogram and pacemaker at Trinity Cath Lab, Brian was Lifeflighted to Des Moines, where he had a double bypass and recovered in the CCU for seven days.

“From the get-go, I felt like the ER team, cath lab team, and Dr. Chawla really cared about me,” said Brian. “It was remarkable how they worked together to get me transferred to Des Moines. Dr. Chawla said if the artery would have completely closed, no intervention would have been able to save my life. I recall the nurses stayed by my side to keep me calm.”

Brian participated in eight weeks of cardiac rehab at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Cardiac Rehabilitation after returning home from surgery in Des Moines. After 10 weeks of recovery, Brian was able to return to work.

“The cardiac rehab team was awesome to work with,” said Brian. “They were always ready for me in the morning, had a list of exercises for me and got me in and out quickly.”

Since Brian is completely recovered, he takes a daily aspirin and cholesterol medication. He is fully cleared to do all the things he loves — bowling, camping, working and spending time with his wife, two sons and grandchildren. In fact, Brian and Tami found out their new granddaughter, Harlee, was born shortly after they arrived in Des Moines. Her arrival helped give Brian motivation and hope for the procedure and recovery ahead.

“It was a crazy emotional weekend and at the time it was very stressful, but now looking back, everything went so smooth,” said Tami. “Everything fell into place and went as it should have. We are so thankful for everyone at the hospital who helped Brian.”

The Frederickses encourage people to act fast and call 911 if you suspect you’re having a heart attack. Early treatment can prevent or limit damage to your heart muscle and saves lives.

Warning signs of a heart attack vary from person to person and no two individuals’ experiences are the same. However, by staying on top of any first warning signs, an individual can avoid long-term damage to the heart or death. A few symptoms of a heart attack are:

• Many heart attacks start as mild pain or chest discomfort, not necessarily “fall to the floor” scenes we often see on TV.

• Chest discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain, indigestion or heartburn. It can be mild or severe.

• Shortness of breath may occur with or before chest discomfort.

• Discomfort will sometimes be felt in one or both arms, the jaw or stomach.

• Other symptoms may include light-headedness, fainting or breaking out in a cold sweat.

• Women are more likely than men to have shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting or fatigue.

To learn more about heart attacks, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments, visit www.unitypoint.org/find-a-service/heart-care/heart-attack.