By Andrea Nagel
Jack Yuditsky
has a history with Kootenai Health’s
Cardiac Services. As a long-standing and respected
member of the community, Jack served on the
Kootenai Health Foundation’s board of directors from
2002 to 2007. In 2003, while working with the
Foundation to raise funds for a heart center in northern
Idaho, Jack himself needed quadruple bypass surgery.
Jack experienced more heart problems in the spring
of 2011, and this time his heart rhythm was to blame.
“I just didn’t feel well,” he said. “It didn’t feel like a
heart attack; I just knew something was wrong.”
Jack stayed at Kootenai Health overnight for observa-
tion. By morning, his physician, James Pataky, M.D.,
had spoken to an electrophysiologist about Jack’s
condition. They agreed he was a good candidate for an
electrophysiology (EP) study. Jack had his study and
procedure at Sacred Heart.
“I know from experience what it’s like having to go
to Spokane. It’s just so much more convenient to have
this service at home,” Jack said. “The team here is
awesome.”
It was later in the year that Jack came back to Koo-
tenai to help support cardiac services. But this time it
was as the spokesman for the Festival of Trees, and the
cause was heart rhythm services.
“It gives me pleasure to know that this program is in
Coeur d’Alene now and that the funds from the Festival
financed the EP lab,” he said.
Since Jack first started experiencing heart problems,
he’s had to make some changes in his day-to-day
living.
“I think my diet has changed the most,” he said. “I
definitely have to take care of myself more. Eat right,
exercise, take my medication as prescribed and be
more aware of my health in general. We are very lucky
to have such excellent doctors in Kootenai County.”
The Heart of the Matter
J ACK YUD I T SKY ’ S HEART I S NOW UP TO PAR
THANKS TO KOOT ENA I ’ S CARD I AC SERV I CES
Jack Yuditsky is now able to receive care for his heart condition
locally, instead of traveling out of state.
FEELING OFF-BEAT?
Learn more about Kootenai Health’s cardiac
services at
kootenaihealth.org/heart
.
Having heart rhythm services available in northern
Idaho means that more than 400 patients each year
will be able to stay in-state for treatment. That means
less time traveling for appointments and more time
spent with family. Or in Jack’s case, more time on the
golf course.
“I couldn’t be better,” he said. “At almost 80, I
couldn’t be more pleased with my health. I’m here
today because of good doctors, and I can still golf
18 holes. Things are going pretty well right now.”
Photo by Sheena Dunn/Spectacular Images.
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CARDIAC CARE
