Essentia Health Hosts symposium Focused on Advanced Heart Failure Treatment
Duluth, MN – Essentia Health recently convened a symposium bringing together leading cardiologists adn healthcare professionals to discuss cutting-edge approaches to heart failure management.The event underscores Essentia’s commitment to providing advanced cardiac care,a mission highlighted by patient stories like that of Morgan Almer.
Almer, a dedicated baseball fan aiming to visit all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums, unknowingly faced a critical heart condition.Despite experiencing no symptoms, a routine annual physical revealed a cardiac calcium score of 1815 – significantly above the 400 threshold considered high risk. Following his father’s passing from a heart attack at age 63, and encouraged by his wife, Almer sought a heart screening from Dr. Mertz.
Further testing,including an angiogram,revealed 100%,80%,and 55% blockages in his arteries. Dr. Canver presented Almer with two options: accept a likely fatal “widowmaker” heart attack or undergo a triple bypass surgery. Almer chose the surgery, a nearly eight-hour procedure performed by Dr. Canver.
“There are 8 billion people in this world, and there’s only one person in the world that has held onto my heart physically, and that’s Doctor Canver,” Almer shared, emphasizing the profound impact of his care team.
Post-surgery, Almer participated in cardiac rehabilitation at Essentia, regaining his strength and returning to activities he loves, like biking. He credits the essentia team with giving him “a second chance,” and wholeheartedly recommends Essentia Health for its “top notch” care.
Essentia Health’s dedication to complete cardiac care, exemplified by Almer’s story and reinforced by events like the recent heart failure symposium, positions the health system as a regional leader in the fight against heart disease.
