At the beginning of 2023, Bill Kivit began to feel unwell to the point where it was becoming concerning. One day, he couldn’t catch his breath, so his wife drove him to the Emergency Department at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
“My blood pressure was 180/130, which is very high, and I was admitted,” explained Bill, who’s 64. “I underwent a variety of tests over the next four days, including an echocardiogram. There was no blockage in my arteries, but the left ventricle of my heart was functioning at just 12 percent. It was bad news.”
Bill was diagnosed with heart failure. He met with Dr. Shoeb Mohammed Hussain, a cardiologist at Advocate Heart Institute on the campus of Advocate Lutheran General.
“He was very kind and caring. He told me my situation was reversible, which was a godsend.”
Dr. Hussain adjusted Bill’s blood pressure medication and prescribed a cardiac LifeVest®, a lightweight wearable defibrillator with a built-in device that monitors a person’s heart. If the device senses abnormal heart rhythms, it restores the heart’s normal beat. Dr. Hussain also registered Bill for the cardiac rehab program, which helps patients restore heart function through exercise. The program is staffed by registered nurses and exercise physiologists.
“I started it within a week of being discharged. I used the treadmill and stationary bike; I did weights and stretching,” said Bill. “The nurses closely monitor your speed, level of difficulty and heart rate as you exercise. They check your blood pressure when you come in and again when you leave.”
Each time Bill arrived for a session, he’d ask the nurses to help make him stronger and to challenge him.
“They increased the difficulty level under controlled conditions. They helped me reach my goals and build on my progress. They’re always on their A-game and were an integral part of my recovery.”
After about a month, he had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Hussain.
“My heart had recovered to the extent that I no longer needed to wear the LiveVest,” shared Bill. “My numbers were still abnormal, but they had improved greatly.”
Bill finished the cardiac rehab program in April and credits it – along with his cardiologist and all the staff who cared for him over the last four months – with restoring his health and saving his life.
“Before, I wasn’t exercising at all. I sat at my desk or in meetings all day, I’d go home and watch TV, then go to bed. Sometimes I’d go out to dinner with clients and not choose the healthiest foods. I’d have a couple of drinks. Now, I could probably play a light basketball game. Without my care team, I couldn’t have done what I’ve done.”
Now Bill exercises on his own treadmill every day before work. He eats a heart-healthy diet, no longer drinks alcohol and tries to keep his stress levels low.
“In a nutshell, everything is back to normal. My bloodwork is perfectly fine; my blood pressure is under control. I have no lingering heart issues. In fact, some of my numbers are what you’d expect to see in a person 10 years younger,” said Bill. “I’m so grateful I recovered and have a second chance. Not everyone gets that opportunity.”
How you can help
For 37 years, the cardiac rehab program at Advocate Lutheran General was held in a 756-square-foot space. Last year, thanks to a generous gift from the late Alfred Lang, it was renovated and expanded. Now it’s held in a state-of-the-art 8,875-square-foot facility that has the capacity to help more patients recover through exercise.
“You can take your wealth and benefit countless others – or you can buy a yacht,” smiled Bill. “I’m thankful for the people who choose to help others.”
Every donation makes a difference for people like Bill. Support heart care at Advocate Lutheran General or a program or hospital in your community.