Dr. Apas Aggarwal, AdventHealth Heart of Florida Cardiac Rehab Medical Director, thanked the 15 current and former patients and their loved ones who attended the first ever Cardiac Warriors luncheon.
Curtis Bruce (pictured with his wife, Vera) was one of several cardiac rehab program graduates to speak about the care they received and how it's helped improve their lives.
DAVENPORT, Fla., — More than a dozen graduates of AdventHealth Heart of Florida’s cardiac rehabilitation program and their loved ones were honored during the hospital’s first ever Cardiac Warriors luncheon.
14 graduates and one current patient attended the special event. Several graduates spoke about their experiences with the cardiac rehab team and how it’s helped them in their recovery and their lives.
Curtis Bruce, a Navy veteran and Davenport resident, graduated from the program early last year and he was thrilled to see some of the cardiac rehab team members who he said helped him recover and change his lifestyle.
“I enjoyed myself here today. It’s nice to for them to reach out even though I haven’t been in the program in several months,” Bruce said. “The entire staff is fantastic, every once and in a while I call up here to see how they’re doing.”
The hospital’s cardiac rehab unit aims to help people recover and get on the road to a happier, healthier life through physical therapy, cardiac-friendly diets, and more. Many of the patients in the program are older and live alone, so in addition to treating their bodies, the program also helps raise their spirits. Some graduates who attended the luncheon were part of the program as far back as 2021-2022 and developed long-lasting friendships with their fellow rehab unit patients.
“It was our honor and privilege to welcome back these amazing people who’ve worked extremely hard to improve their health,” said Beverly Johnson, Manager of Non-invasive Cardiology at AdventHealth Heart of Florida. “Our cardiac rehab team works very closely with our patients in the program, and we’ve witnessed their achievements and setbacks. We’ve also laughed with them, prayed with them, and even cried with them. Seeing these patients again and seeing that they are living happier, healthier lives is so rewarding. We are very thankful to be providing this high level of whole-person care to our fellow community members.”
In August 2024, an expanded cardiac rehab unit opened at AdventHealth Heart of Florida, doubling the number of patients that can be treated and reducing wait times for new patient enrollment. Before the expansion, the unit treated an average of 56 patients a month, and the new space allows for double that number.
The expansion came as heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States and Florida. According to the most recent data available from the Florida Department of Health, the rate of deaths from heart disease In Polk County in 2023 was about 145 per 100,000 people. That was higher than the state average of about 135 per 100,000 people.
You can learn more about the cardiac rehab program at AdventHealth Heart of Florida by going online to AdventHealth Heart of Florida | Formerly Heart of Florida or calling Call863-419-1811.