cardiology team led by cardiologist Brett Eliuk, D.O. Cynthia had sustained a left bundle branch block due to cardiomyopathy, also called heart muscle disease, that blocked the pathway electrical impulses travel to make the heart beat. After quickly diagnosing her in the catheterization lab, doctors then surgically implanted a biventricular defibrillator to help regulate her heart’s rate and contraction pattern. The device used for Cynthia’s heart syncs with her smartphone so she can closely monitor her heart health and stay on top of any changes. Most notably, it detects an abnormal heartbeat and sends a shock to the heart to restore normal patterns. Although technology played a major role in her story, it was the human touchpoints that made the biggest impact. “I’m so happy with all of the staff at Kootenai— everyone was so unbelievably friendly and caring,” Cynthia said. “I had no idea what questions to ask, but Dr. Oza (her cardiologist, Sameer Oza, M.D.) boiled it all down for me in simple terms.” “Less than 10 percent of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest like Cynthia make it, yet here she is—expected to fully recover,” said Dr. Oza. “We’re so fortunate to have the best team at Kootenai, and it’s really exciting to see what our new Heart Center can do to further complement our innovative services.” Happily ever after As for David and Cynthia, they look forward to spending even more time together. “We are sort of a yin and yang—I want to be in the mountains and she loves the ocean, but we both agree we love the water,” said David. “We also recently bought electric bicycles…we look forward to getting out and enjoying them.” A fitting continuation to a story built on love—and helped by technology. Together, we can save hearts and lives! We would love to hear from you. Email foundation@kh.org or call (208) 625-4438 to start the conversation. Giving is easy—just scan this QR code to reach the Heart Center expansion’s donation page. Patients from Grangeville to the Canadian border rely on Kootenai Health for cardiac care. In the past year alone, Kootenai Health served more than 3,200 patients with these facilities, but there were times when more capacity was needed. The Heart Center has 15 patient rooms, one cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab) for treating blockages in the heart and arteries, and one electrophysiology lab (EP lab) for treating heart rhythm disorders. A much-needed expansion is underway that will add a cath lab, an EP lab, and nine pre- and post-procedure rooms to increase that capacity. The expansion will help 1,500 more patients receive needed cardiac catheterizations and 100 more patients receive care for heart rhythm disorders every year. Through the Heart Center expansion, Kootenai Health will also be able to provide more complex, higher acuity services in northern Idaho, which means patients can receive the care they need more quickly and closer to home. This important work will not be possible without community support. To learn more about the expansion and how you can help support world-class cardiovascular services close to home, contact the Kootenai Health Foundation. Brett Eliuk, D.O. Sameer Oza, M.D. Cynthia and David Davis KH.ORG 21
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