Heart disease runs in Denise Herring’s family, and she has experienced many heart-related issues throughout her life.
Ten years ago, Denise had a stent placement to repair a blockage. She also has high blood pressure, which is monitored and well-controlled.
In 2024, however, Denise began experiencing symptoms that ultimately led to her needing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Sudden Symptoms
Denise’s journey began when she started experiencing chest pain and other symptoms.
“I was having shortness of breath, especially on exertion, but sometimes not on exertion,” she says. “And by exertion, I mean a short walk up the driveway.”
Denise made an appointment at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI) at UPMC Memorial. Doctors discovered another blockage in her heart, leading to another stent placement.
“She had a blockage in one of the arteries that feeds her heart muscle that was treated with a stent,” says Nathaniel Melton, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. “It opens up an artery to allow better blood flow to that particular part of the heart.”
After the procedure, Denise felt much better. She and her husband, Roger, celebrated her completion of cardiac rehabilitation — as well as their anniversary — with a cruise to England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
During the first week of the cruise, Denise felt fine. But during the second week, her shortness of breath and chest pain returned. Walking from her stateroom to the dining room was a challenge.
“I had to stop and rest along the way, and I had to take nitroglycerin to relieve the pain,” Denise says. “The pain eventually started going down my arm and up my jaw.”
A More Serious Situation
This time, the cause of Denise’s symptoms was about six blockages requiring treatment beyond stenting.
HVI doctors scheduled Denise for the CABG procedure.
CABG involves rerouting blood flow around blockages using blood vessels from other parts of the body. In Denise’s case, Dr. Melton used two arteries and a vein for a triple bypass.
The time in the waiting room during Denise’s surgery wasn’t easy for Roger.
“At the time before the surgery and during the surgery, I knew it was possible we would lose her, and it was a waiting game through the six-hour surgery,” he says.
Denise did well after surgery, with no complications, and spent eight days in the hospital. By the holiday season, she was able to travel to visit her two children and seven grandchildren.
Since her surgery, Denise has been busy with cardiac rehabilitation. She’s also back to doing what she loves, including planning more trips with her husband.
“I’m spending a little more time just enjoying life,” she says. “I felt very blessed to receive great care at UPMC.”