The CRMC Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center Changing Community Outcomes

This February, in recognition of American Heart Month, Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is sharing the story of patient Sharon Ford, a Cookeville woman whose survival and recovery, serve as a powerful reminder of why heart health awareness matters every single day.

Sharon Ford suffered a ruptured artery in her heart. This type of damage typically proves fatal, but through the care she received at CRMC and the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab program at Cookeville Regional, she not only survived, but is also thriving post cardiac event.

“I had a left ventricle rupture. So, it’s a miracle I’m here. Dr. Parsons (Billy D. Parsons, CRMC cardiothoracic surgeon) took me into surgery and gave me three bypasses. I had a ruptured artery and heart attack as well. One artery was 100% blocked and I had two more that were 70% blocked. On the second day after surgery, he told my girls I had a 50/50 chance of surviving. On the day of the surgery, he gave me a 0% chance. And I’m still here,” Ford stated.  “After starting rehab, I couldn’t believe the difference it made. When I was halfway through the 36 sessions, I suddenly had all of these energy and stamina. It was like, wow, this is amazing.”

This February is the perfect time for community members to learn about the full range of services offered at the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Center at CRMC, including the Wellness Program, which is open to anyone looking for a medically monitored fitness environment, whether or not they have experienced a cardiac event.

Ford stated, “I can highly recommend both post-heart attack rehab and the Wellness Program. They keep an eye on you. They check your blood pressure while you’re doing your exercises, and I couldn’t ask for better people to work with. I’m doing great. I can do anything I want to. And I couldn’t ask to feel any better. I’ve gotten so much of my life back because of the care that I have gotten at the Cardiac Rehab Center.”

Hillary Flatt, director of the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Center at CRMC, adds, “When people walk in our doors, they become family. We are here to support them through their journey post-event and get them back to what they love most. The Wellness program is great too because we are able to continue seeing our patients after their program has ended. We are blessed to have this program here for our people in the region.”

This Heart Month, take a step toward protecting yours. To learn more about the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Center at CRMC and the Wellness Program offered there, visit https://crmchealth.org/services/heart-vascular-center/cardiac-pulmonary-rehabilitation/ or call 931-783-2689.