Meeting Max Lebold with his vibrant energy and personality, you would never know he has recently undergone open-heart surgery and his first session of cardiac rehab. It all started back in April during Max’s usual morning routine of walking 45 minutes on a treadmill. During his walk, he experienced chest tightening and discomfort, which subsided quickly after some rest and aspirin.

Hoping it was a one-time thing, he continued with his routine until he experienced the same symptoms during his walk a few days later. Realizing the need for medical care, Max waited until his wife, Darleen, was home from work. They have been married for 50 years with three sons, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Max waited until they had finished dinner before expressing his concern. “I calmly told Darleen: We are going on a trip. I am calling an ambulance, and we are headed to the Aultman Emergency Department to have my chest discomfort evaluated,” he said.

Max was overwhelmed by the care and compassion he received at Aultman Hospital and Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital (ADHVH). He praised the emergency department caregivers for recognizing and prioritizing his medical needs, promptly assessing him and developing a treatment plan that led to a heart catheterization the following day.

The procedure revealed that three of his cardiac arteries were 80% blocked and that he would require surgery. Max feels fortunate to have had Dr. John Anastasi as his cardiac surgeon. He describes Dr. Anastasi as wonderful, noting that his calm approach to the diagnosis and treatment plan, along with his ability to connect and listen, helped ease his worries.

Although Max could not remember the names of all his caregivers during his seven-day inpatient stay, his praise for them was genuine and heartfelt. “I had top-notch care at ADHVH; I am thankful and blessed,” he said.

Max continues to follow up with his primary care physician and has just completed cardiac rehabilitation with an at-home exercise plan. His advice to others is: “Do not ignore symptoms. Seek care immediately. I was fortunate to recognize the need for medical attention, but if I had to do it over, I would have sought care earlier.”