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DEFEATING ‘THE
WIDOW MAKER’
Routine cardiac screening exposes a silent killer
“What we didn’t know at the time was that my husband was a
ticking time bomb,” recalls Linda Durocher, Joe’s wife. “We
later learned that Joe’s blockage is commonly referred to as ‘the
widow maker,’ known for its sudden strike.”
A bypass procedure in his left ventricle was needed to restore
proper blood flow to Joe’s heart. After Joe’s discharge from the
medical center, his care continued as he became a patient of
Marian’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Monitoring Program where
he attended education health classes and followed an exercise
maintenance program.
Cardiac patient Joe Durocher and his wife Linda credit Marian “The strike of my heart attack wasn’t a matter of if it would oc-
Regional Medical Center cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and support cur, it was a matter of when,” confesses Joe. “To say I was only
staff with providing the advanced care that allowed Joe to defeat “the satisfied with the care I received would be an understatement.
widow maker.” In every interaction, my expectations were exceeded and I now
take great comfort in knowing that I don’t have to go far for
It’s called “the widow maker” – a specific type of cardiac block- advanced and lifesaving health care services.”
age known to kill.
Joe is now fully recovered, has a clean bill of health and is
With a history of heart disease, Santa Maria resident Joe enjoying retirement. Due to the prompt high level of care he
Durocher is familiar with regular visits to his cardiologist, received from Marian, Joe continues to work around his ranch
Samir Bhatt, M.D., but it was a routine appointment that be- and is making a positive difference in the lives of those he and
came one he would never forget. his wife mentor through the Central Coast National Marriage
Encounter, a couples and relationships workshop initiative.
“Just the day before, I was repairing the roof of our barn with
no symptoms, but when I went to Dr. Bhatt’s office as normal “I am forever grateful to the physicians and all those at Marian
for my regular six-month stress test I could sense something who acted quickly and effectively to prevent what might have
was different,” remembers Joe. “Although I was exhibiting zero been a tragedy for our family,” professes Linda. “Although Joe
symptoms, my test results painted a much different picture.” did not suffer a heart attack, this was still a very stressful and
worrisome time for us. Marian held our hands every step of the
After interpreting Joe’s alarming stress test results, Dr. Bhatt way and we were supported by helpful and caring people who
ordered an angiogram which revealed a significant blockage to assured us that we would get through this crucial time in
Joe’s heart. Joe was immediately admitted to Marian Regional our lives.”
Medical Center where he underwent further testing and was
scheduled for surgery. Preventative cardiac screenings often serve as a wake-up call
for those who need to improve their diet and exercise habits,
but for many, like Joe, these imperative screenings identify seri-
ous health issues to defeat a silent killer.
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