Bob Kling knew something was a bit off when he felt dizzy while mowing his lawn. Then on a very early Saturday morning in the fall of 2021, his Apple Watch alarm alerted him that he had a very low heart rate. One call to his doctor, and his wife rushed him to the emergency room where tests found he had two major blockages, including his left main artery, often dubbed the widow maker. His care team placed stents to restore healthy blood flow and to prevent future blockages.

“When my doctor said to go to the emergency room, I was definitely scared,” says Kling. “Both of my parents had heart bypass surgeries or stents, so I knew there was no time to waste.”

After his surgery, his doctor recommended cardiac rehab to rebuild his strength and stamina. Kling chose the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at UnityPoint Health® in Muscatine because it was close to home, and he is so happy he made that decision.

Getting back to exercise after a heart blockage can be very scary and unnerving, as physical activity puts direct strain on the heart. Kling felt at ease doing exercise under the watchful eye of medical professionals.

“I was confident that doing strenuous exercise would not cause me to have another heart blockage,” says Kling, but cardiac rehab helped me regain rigorous activity without worry.”

Cardiac rehab patients are hooked up to heart monitors and watched closely while exercising. During one of these rehab sessions, Kling’s blood pressure was found to be very high. This early identification helped his primary care provider work on treating this condition and helped with his continued health.

“The staff at Muscatine’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program is amazing,” says Kling. “Even their education program is fantastic, with subjects ranging from medications, healthy foods, and other cardiac risk factors.”

Cardiac Rehabilitation Manager Tammy Thurston understands the tremendous need for this service in Muscatine, but also hopes people will take time during Heart Month to see what they can do today to help reduce their risk for needing their help.

Kling agrees.

“I wish I had this program a decade ago before I had my heart blockages,” he said.

Kling finished a round of cardiac rehab and voluntarily participates in the cardiac maintenance program to help stay on track for a healthier heart and longer life.

“Two times a week I can come in and continue to exercise in a safe place giving my heart a check,” says Kling. “My cardiologist told me it’s like I’m giving my heart a stress test two times a week, which is excellent.”

Thanks to cardiac rehab, Kling can go on walks with his granddaughter and is helping his son make improvements to his house, which includes carrying heavy loads of wood, something he never would have been able to do beforehand.

If you recently had a heart attack, talk with your primary care provider or cardiologist to see if Trinity Muscatine Cardiac Rehabilitation program is right for you. For more information, call 309-779-5340 or visit unitypoint.org/quadcities/services-cardiac-rehabilitation.