Maryland’s Health Matters - BWMC - Winter 2018 - 8

Dr. Yoon placed three stents in

exercises and equipment. Patients can

plasty, which lasted a little over an hour.

participate in the program as early

When the procedure was complete,

as two weeks and as late as one year

Newcomb spent several nights in the

after a cardiac episode. The program

hospital's critical care unit to recover

lasts four to 12 weeks, depending

before going home.

on the patient's medical history and
needs, and consists of several appoint-

"All the nurses and doctors at

ments each week.

UM BWMC are fantastic. I knew

WHEN
TO CALL 911

prescription using a wide range of

Newcomb's arteries during the angio-

While they exercise,

I was in good hands,
and Dr. Yoon saved my

patients wear wireless

life," says Newcomb.

monitors that send vital
information to a computer,

REHABBING
THE HEART

where therapists watch the
data to ensure results are

Once Newcomb

achieved safely. Progress

When a person is experiencing

returned home, he

notes are routinely sent to

a heart attack, timely interven-

worked with interven-

the patient's cardiologist

tion is critical. The more time

tional cardiologist

or referring physician so

that passes before having

Ratnakar Mukherjee,

an angioplasty, the more heart

MD, who closely

tissue dies.

monitored Newcomb's

process. Patients also work

heart to ensure he

closely with their cardi-

experiences heart attack

was making progress.

ologist, who monitors their

symptoms, call 911 right away.

Dr. Mukherjee recom-

medical conditions, pre-

Emergency Medical Services

mended he enroll in

scribes medications and

provides critical care while

UM BWMC's cardiac

makes recommendations for

transporting you and will send

rehabilitation pro-

diet changes and exercise.

vital information in real time

gram to support his

Heart attack survivors have

to the Emergency Department,

full recovery.

regular checkups with their

If you or a loved one

which will be awaiting your

"Cardiac rehabilita-

arrival to begin treatment.

tion helps patients with

HEART ATTACK
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

cardiovascular recon-

Ratnakar
Mukherjee, MD

the entire health care team
can support the recovery

cardiologist to ensure longSamuel Yoon, MD

ditioning after a heart

term success.
"It's reassuring to
know that my cardiologist,

attack or coronary bypass surgery,"

my cardiac rehab program and the

says Dr. Mukherjee, medical director

people who saved my life are all just

of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at

a quick drive away," says Newcomb.

UM BWMC and clinical instructor of

"You never think a heart attack could

medicine at the University of Maryland

happen to you, but if it does, I would

Discomfort in other areas,

School of Medicine. "Along with devel-

highly recommend UM BWMC." 

including arms, back, neck,

oping or re-establishing a safe exercise

jaw or stomach

routine, cardiac rehab patients learn how

Chest discomfort,
including pressure,
squeezing, fullness or pain

Shortness of breath
Breaking out in a cold sweat,
nausea or lightheadedness

to prevent further heart disease and how
to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle."
The cardiac therapists and nurses
at UM BWMC work with each patient
to develop an individualized exercise

8  MARYLAND'S HEALTH MATTERS

VIEW CARDIAC
REHAB IN ACTION
See UM BWMC's cardiac rehab
therapists assisting real patients
at mybwmc.org/healthy.
http://www.mybwmc.org/healthy
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland’s Health Matters - BWMC - Winter 2018
