Never underestimate the power of waltzing, family, friends, or good medical advice. Fit and active all his life, ballroom dance instructor Mark Vangere didn't put two and two together when he first experienced symptoms of heart trouble. Vangere survived double-bypass surgery, and now he hopes to inspire others to get up and dance for health.
Could his story save your life? Vangere told The Bee:
"One day, I was weightlifting and suddenly began to experience a 'shortness of breath' after very little exertion. It continued through the day, but by the evening, it had subsided. The following day on my normal run, I was only two blocks in and I began to feel a sharp pain in my chest, so much so that I had to stop. The pain did stop, but when I went dancing eventually, as I normally did, it didn't take long (20 to 25 minutes) before the shortness of breath and chest pain began again."
Dr. Anuradha Khurana: This cardiologist scheduled the stress test that showed just how serious Vangere's heart condition was. She prescribed medication, discussed symptoms and warning signs, and advised him against too much exertion.
Dr. Karanjit Singh: There were other options, this cardiologist told Vangere, but bypass surgery would allow him to return to an active, normal lifestyle. He was right, Vangere said.
Dr. Allen Morris: This cardiovascular surgeon told Vangere that he had done hundreds of procedures like his double bypass. "That really lowered my anxiety level," Vangere said. "I felt so at ease being wheeled into the operating room, confident my heart was in good hands.
Lizbeth Ann Francis: Vangere's attorney and close friend talked with him regularly on the telephone to provide moral support and helped him communicate with doctors.
Georgette Coleman: Vangere's cousin, who just happens to be a nurse, stayed with him for weeks after his surgery. "He tried to teach me how to ballroom dance while he was recovering, me with two left feet," Coleman said.
Lori Bacon: She's the supervising registered nurse at the Progressive Care Unit at Mercy, but now Vangere also counts her as a friend. "I will always be grateful to her for making such a challenging time so tolerable and memorable," Vangere said.
Linda Infante: The owner of the Ballroom of Sacramento, she said she sent him daily emails – just to be sure he knew how difficult it was to do the scheduling without him.
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