Dedicared Heart Healthcare: Tailored Care for Your Cardiac Well-being

I’ve been a cardiology patient since 2014. At 39, I suffered my first “widow maker” heart attack. I recovered well, but two years later, I had another widow maker heart attack. I’m not overweight, I eat well, and I have no family history of cardiac disease. I just got unlucky.

Both times, I went to the hospital on my own. During my second heart attack, my stent had closed. The hospital did nothing but monitor me and increase my blood thinners. A few days later, I went home with a permanently damaged heart and was diagnosed with heart failure.

Less than a year later, I had a stroke because I followed doctors’ instructions to stop taking my blood thinner before the procedure. Despite my discomfort, I trusted my doctors and paid the price. The stroke revealed I needed heart surgery, which should have been done when my stent closed.

Ten years later, I’m still struggling to get good cardiology care. The system that saved my life now just prescribes meds and treats symptoms without being proactive. There’s no coaching or dietitian—just “take your medicine, stay active, and eat well.”

I’ve seen many cardiologists, fired some, and given up on others. My appointments were months apart, and if I called about a symptom, they’d say, “go to the ER.” With a 12-inch scar on my chest, any ER visit meant hospitalization. When I did see my cardiologist, it was a quick 15-minute visit with more meds or modifications. There was no time to ask questions or understand my issues.

Dr. Todd Hurst was the best cardiologist I ever had. He went against corporate hospital rules of rushing patients and genuinely cared for my illness. He talked to me, understood me, and was proactive.

Living in a city of nearly 6 million with over 1,000 cardiologists, the average wait for an appointment is 30 days. When it comes to heart health, 30 days can make a huge difference. Often, they just say, “go to the ER.” But in a country where healthcare costs can destroy a family in one visit, that’s not an option.

Concierge or dedicated care medicine filled a gap for primary care visits with long wait times. Nearly half of the adult population in the United States has some form of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. We know the causes—unhealthy eating habits and being one of the fattest countries.

I didn’t put myself in this predicament. I have an underlying blood cancer that caused my heart issues. I’m not overweight, I eat well, and I’m active. But I’m still in heart failure. Corporate hospitals or large medical groups felt pointless. They prescribed therapeutic meds for blood pressure, cholesterol, and fluid retention but never talked about longevity.

My ejection fraction rate was only 25%, mainly due to poor response from medical professionals. The ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle each time the heart beats. A normal rate is typically between 50% and 60%. My heart was working at less than half the normal rate, and doctors were just prescribing more meds to react to tests or symptoms.

Then I found out Dr. Todd Hurst started his own practice for cardiology, fully equipped with coaches, dietitians, and fitness instructors. My first appointment was brilliant. He wasn’t just treating the heart failure; he was looking for ways to improve my ejection fraction and increase my lifespan. We talked for a full hour. He was concerned about side effects, and I felt comfortable sharing even the intimate ones like depression and bad thoughts caused by some meds. He addressed those issues, researched the benefits and risks of medications, and allowed me to participate in my care. I felt like I had a real doctor who truly cared, and it’s worth it to me. I’m a dad of a 9-year-old, and I have the love of a woman. I want to experience those joys for as long as possible. There’s no talk of life expectancy, only longevity and what WE can do as a team to give me hope and true longevity.

Dr. Hurst has patients flying in to see him because this crisis isn’t just in my city; it’s happening everywhere. He even accepts insurance for to make it possible for patients who dont believe they have a choice. To make an appointment with Dr. Todd Hurst, you can contact his office at:

HealthspanMD Primary Care & Cardiology

2222 E Highland Ave Suite #222,

Phoenix, AZ 85016

www.healthspanmd.com

In short, dedicated care gives me the care I need when I need it. It doesn’t force doctors to rush patients through and prescribe drugs to make hospitals richer. Concierge or dedicated care is a necessary response to a profit-driven healthcare system that cares less about patients' health and more about dollars.

For the first time in the last five years, I have a cardiologist who genuinely cares about me, my health, and the length of my life.

Stop accepting what you are getting and get the care and passion for wellness you deserve.