Patient’s awareness of family heart history leads to lifesaving treatment at Inova Alexandria

When (Heart) History Doesn’t Repeat

Norma Ely-Jones, a 53-year-old retired air traffic controller and U.S. Army Reserves colonel from Fort Washington, MD, always knew that she was at risk for heart disease.

“My mom had heart disease and she had a heart attack 20 years ago, at the same age I am,” Norma says. “All these years I’ve been going to cardiologists because I knew I had heart disease in my family.”

However, even though she maintained habits associated with a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking and attending regular checkups with a cardiologist, Norma began experiencing symptoms associated with stroke in June 2015. The symptoms went away after an emergency room visit but then reappeared in August. A full-body CT scan showed that she had a blockage in her heart. During a visit with her cardiologist, her blood pressure was so high —197/108 — that the doctor called 911.

Sent to Inova Alexandria Hospital, she underwent more tests. Soon, she spoke with Linda Bogar, MD, FACS, FACC, Surgical Director of Cardiac Surgery at Inova Alexandria Hospital . Dr. Bogar informed Norma that she was at immediate risk for a heart attack due to the blockage and that she would need to undergo bypass surgery.

Making bypass surgery “as comfortable as possible”

While being told she was going to need bypass surgery was extremely stressful, Norma says that Dr. Bogar and her team were “warm and caring.” They made the experience as comfortable as possible.

“What’s nice about Inova Alexandria Hospital is it’s a little smaller, which means patients get a little more personalized attention from the staff and the physicians,” comments Dr. Bogar. “Patients tend to stay in the same area after surgery until they’re discharged, so the same team is taking care of them the whole time. The focus is really on the patient.”

After the surgery, Norma left the hospital in good health, which continues to this day. “If I had any issues, I called the hospital and the nurse there answered all of my questions,” Norma says. “Dr. Bogar even gave me a call to check on me after getting back from her vacation, which was fantastic. You can’t get any better than that.”

Know Your Heart History

While heart disease may be traced back to lifestyle choices, it can also be out of your control. If you have a family history of heart disease, make sure you receive regular checkups.

Heart Symptoms to Watch For

If you experience any of these heart disease symptoms, contact your primary care physician (or, if they are severe, head to the emergency room):

• Chest pain or pressure
• Chronic or extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Swollen legs (a symptom of heart failure)

Cardiac Wellness in Northern Virginia

Learn more about Inova’s heart care options at www.inovaheart.org.