Healing from heart surgery at home

At 70 years old, Larry Judd seemed very healthy. He had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, but he worked out often and ate healthy foods.

"I tried blood pressure and cholesterol medications, but I didn't like the side effects, and I kept myself in shape, so I thought that was enough," said Judd.

And it was — until he had a major heart attack.

Recovery after a massive heart attack

After Judd had heart surgery, he joined our home-based cardiac rehab program.

"I remember them saying they were going to take care of me and help me get my heart fully functioning again, or as close as possible to it," said Judd.

Care team provides support

Maria Diestra is a registered nurse. She’s just one of many care team members who support heart patients through home-based cardiac rehab. She remembers that Larry and his wife, Dana Judd, seemed nervous during their first visit. But she noticed they were ready to work hard.

"I could tell Mr. Judd was motivated to do exactly what he needed to do to stay healthy, which is always a good start," said Diestra.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can cause heart attacks. So, Diestra explained that Judd needed to take medications regularly to lower his cholesterol and blood pressure. She also told him that eating plant-based foods and working out could lower his risk of another heart attack.

Patients in our home-based cardiac rehab program receive an exercise tracker at no cost. Diestra helped Judd set it up so that it tracked Judd’s heart rate while he worked out. Diestra then followed his progress through her computer.

Heart surgery recovery: Outstanding results

Judd worked hard to make big changes. His care team gave him new cholesterol and blood pressure medications. The side effects didn't bother him anymore. His wife supported him the entire way by joining him on walks and eating plant-based foods.

After 8 weeks, the results were outstanding. Judd cut his cholesterol level in half, and his blood pressure was at a healthy level for the first time in years.

Diestra said this success — which Judd had tried to achieve for years — shows the benefits of remote health care. The program helped by keeping Judd on track and giving him one-on-one support.

"Mr. Judd's risk of having another heart attack has been reduced, and with his controlled blood pressure and cholesterol levels, his quality of life and longevity prospects have improved," said Diestra.

Bright future after home-based cardiac rehab

After a serious heart attack, Judd got a second chance at life. And he's making the most of it.

"Toward the end of the 8 weeks, I had a trip planned with my grandkids. It was going to be hot, and I was going to be walking a lot, so I was nervous. The day came, and we walked almost 12 miles, and I did just as well — or even better — than everyone else," said Judd.

Learn more about heart health and cardiac care at Kaiser Permanente.