Dave Swigart, 66, of Harvey, says that while working as a maintenance man with a variety of heart problems for more than 20 years, he was living a “four cylinder life with just a three cylinder heart.”  After two heart attacks, four angioplasties and two open heart surgeries, Swigart credits Dr. Sean Tierney, a cardiologist at MetroSouth Medical Center, with his new life.  Dr. Tierney implanted Swigart with a cardioveter defibrulator which maintains his heart’s rhythm and works to prevent another heart attack.  With his renewed confidence, Swigart now works as a patient transporter at MetroSouth Medical Center where he typically walks 15-20 miles per day, moving patients around the hospital.  He jokes that, after telling patients his heart health history, they frequently suggest that he take the ride and let them push.  Swigart has no plans to take those rides anytime soon.

MetroSouth Medical Center, which provides advanced cardiac interventional procedures and offers a state-of-the-art heart catherization lab, is recognized as a Chicago leader in outstanding cardiac care. Thirty years ago the hospital was among the first in the Chicago, to offer angioplasty.  Since then, more than 15,000 angioplasties and more than 12,000 open heart surgeries have been performed at MSMC.

If you have heart disease and want a second opinion or are at risk for heart disease, call a MetroSouth Medical Center cardiologist at 708 489-7925.