Mark Decker's story: Back to Baseline thanks to Cardiac Rehabilitation

Описание: Mark Decker was enjoying a very active retirement when a congenital heart condition checked him.

“I was born with an aortic valve that only has two cusps, instead of the normal three,” says Mark, a 70-year-old Grosse Pointe Woods resident, who retired from a healthcare human resources career and now owns two LLC companies, one sports-related and the other HR consulting. “I was aware of this condition but never had any problems. Until January 2025, when it went from a minor league to a major league issue.”

Mark developed several concerning symptoms, including shortness of breath, racing heart, high blood pressure and chest pain, which affected his ability to travel for work. He also couldn’t do some activities without getting tired. Mark sought treatment at another local health system, where he had aortic valve replacement surgery. He started his cardiac rehabilitation there, but it wasn’t a good fit.

Instead, Mark did some research and found Henry Ford Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program.

“I liked that they had a nationally ranked heart program and relationships with local professional sports teams,” Mark says. “I walked into the Second Avenue facility in Detroit one day, unannounced, and ended up talking to Pam Webert, one of the clinical exercise physiologists, for 40 minutes. I was sold.”

Shortly after that, Mark started his Henry Ford Health Cardiac Rehabilitation program. This closely monitored exercise program is for people who have left the hospital after a heart attack, heart procedure or heart failure. Participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program after a qualifying event is supported by the strongest possible level of evidence. Benefits include significant reductions in cardiovascular complications as well as improvements in quality of life.

After completing his cardiac rehabilitation program, Mark entered Henry Ford Health PREVENT (Prevention through Exercise and Education). This medically supervised exercise program is designed to maintain the benefits that are achieved during cardiac rehabilitation. It’s personalized to the needs of each person, and patients are more independent and have the opportunity to participate in group exercise classes and strength training. PREVENT can help improve health and fitness in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

“I’m grateful for my second chance, and I’m not taking it for granted,” he says. “I’m also thankful for Clinical Coordinator Robert Berry and the entire Henry Ford cardiac rehab team. They’re dedicated, knowledgeable and it was always a great experience when I went there. They made me feel like I mattered to them, and I’ve made some friends for life.”

To learn more about Mark’s story, visit henryford.com/mark

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