Patient overcomes heart failure with help from Sanford Health

[SPONSORED]

Oliver “Jack” Duck, Sr. has been in good health his entire life, but when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and heart failure, all hope seemed to be lost.

Thankfully for Jack, the heart care team at Sanford Health was able to intervene, restore his hope, and walk alongside him on the road to recovery.

Being diagnosed with AFib and heart failure

Jack has spent much of his life serving in the Navy and has always lived an active lifestyle.

“For the most part I’m a pretty healthy guy,” said Jack. “I was a marathoner and I still run at 70 years old.”

Before his heart conditions appeared, Jack started using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. As part of his care plan, he was required to receive an exam from a pulmonologist.

At that exam, Jack was told he had to check into the emergency room for an electrocardiogram (EKG) and other tests.

Jack was eventually diagnosed with heart failure and AFib. He was fitted with a defibrillator vest that delivers therapeutic shocks whenever it detects dangerous rhythms.

Jack and his wife were very concerned and wanted to get more information about what exactly they were facing.

“If you want to tell me something, hit me between the eyes,” said Jack. “When I was on a Navy ship in enemy waters, I wanted to know all the risks. I’ve been that way all my life.”

His physician’s assistant offered to explain everything that was happening to his heart in detail, which Jack really appreciated.

“She took a piece of paper and drew every part of the heart on it and explained how I was in AFib. She even explained the ejection fraction and why I needed the vest,” said Jack. “She spent an hour in there and I love her to death. She was fantastic.”

Jack still has that piece of paper to this day.

Managing AFib and heart failure with support from Sanford Health

Jack was worried his diagnosis would be fatal.

As he began treatment, he made some lifestyle changes to lower his cholesterol. He lost 30 pounds and managed to raise his ejection fraction (the percentage of blood pumped out from the heart) to a

safer range.

“I was originally at 30 percent, and the normal range is 55 to 70. When I came for the second echocardiogram, I was at 42,” said Jack. “My PA told me I could take the vest off and I cried.”

Since then, Jack’s health has continued to improve. He stays in contact with his team and has frequent in-person checkups with them to track his progress.

He truly feels like his old self again, and he’s thankful the Sanford Health team was there to support him on his journey.

“Their attention to detail has been absolutely phenomenal,” said Jack. “I couldn't be more pleased with the treatment I get from the people here.”

If you need support for your heart, visit sanfordhealth.org to find a provider near you.