Morgan Almer is a baseball lover with a dream: to visit every Major League Baseball stadium in the U.S. So far, he’s checked off 22 out of 30. But his life took a surprising turn during a routine annual check-up when he discovered a serious heart issue.
Before his diagnosis, Morgan felt perfectly healthy. Sadly, he lost his father to a heart attack at 63, which motivated him to follow his wife’s urging for a heart screening. When he finally went for one, his results were shocking. A normal score on the cardiac calcium tests is below 400. Morgan’s number? A staggering 1815.
After meeting with Dr. Sarov, it became clear that Morgan needed more than a stress test—an angiogram was necessary. The results revealed alarming blockages: one was completely blocked, another was 80% blocked, and a third was 55% blocked.
With two choices laid out, Morgan had to decide: do nothing and risk a fatal heart attack or undergo triple bypass surgery. He opted for surgery, which lasted about eight hours. Post-surgery, he enrolled in cardiac rehab at Essentia Health, where a dedicated team helped him regain his strength. They monitored his recovery while he got back to biking and walking.
What struck Morgan most was the genuine care he received. “It’s powerful to know that one person in the world is holding your heart,” he said, referring to Dr. Canver. Morgan now sees Essentia Health as a place that not only treated him but gave him a second chance at life.
The importance of regular health screenings can’t be overstated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S. Routine checks can catch problems early when they can be managed more effectively.
In today’s fast-paced life, many overlook their health. Morgan’s story serves as a reminder that feeling fine isn’t always a guarantee. He encourages everyone to be proactive about their health, sharing his experience not just for awareness but to spark conversations about heart health.
Check in with your doctor regularly. You never know what you might find—just like Morgan did.
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Essentia, Essentia Health, Superior, Wisconsin, Family Medicine, Steven Johnson
