Paul's Story
Healing hearts have no boundaries.
North Palm Beach resident Paul Reback knows the importance of staying active
to maintain good health, and his children have followed in his footsteps.
At age 74, he and his children are all triathletes; his daughter has even
competed in the Olympics twice. Every day, Paul rises before the sun to
train, by either running, biking or swimming—and is home before
many of us have finished our morning coffee. His theory on training is
“Anything is better than nothing.”
Last year, Paul came to see me because he noticed that he was slowing down
and couldn’t keep his normal pace and energy level when exercising.
After an examination, I diagnosed Paul with heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
and recommended a cardiac ablation procedure to address the issue. Although
this type of procedure is not performed at Jupiter Medical Center where
I am the medical director of the cardiology program, I did not have to
think twice about where Paul could still receive world-class care.
Because of Jupiter Medical Center’s partnership with Mount Sinai
Heart New York, patients who have complex cardiac care needs, such as
open heart surgery, may choose to be treated at Mount Sinai Heart in New
York City, and then return home to Jupiter Medical Center for their follow-up
treatment—all within a coordinated system of care.
A dedicated transfer team works with the patient and their local cardiologist
to make arrangements for a quick and seamless transition to and from Mount
Sinai Heart New York. The transfer team coordinates hospital admission,
insurance approval, air ambulance transfer if required, and provides concierge
services upon request. They will also ensure that a patient’s local
cardiologist receives timely updates on their condition throughout the
duration of care at Mount Sinai Heart New York. This way, all members
of a patient’s care team are all on the same page about the next
steps in their recovery.
Paul was able to have his cardiac ablation performed by a top electrophysiologist
at Mount Sinai Heart New York, and I was able to stay up-to-date on his
progress and continue checkups upon his return home to Palm Beach County.
He very quickly returned to exercising and has had an excellent recovery.
The partnership with Mount Sinai Heart New York has allowed our board-certified
cardiologists and interventional specialists to collaborate on many levels
like this one with recognized experts at Mount Sinai Heart New York, known
for being a leader in all facets of cardiology care, cardiac surgery and
advanced cardiovascular research.
Mount Sinai Heart New York at Jupiter Medical Center is a Level 1 Adult
Cardiovascular Center that provides a full spectrum of advanced cardiac
care for adults, whether it’s a simple, preventative heart health
screening, cardiac rehabilitation or facilitating a complex procedure
like Paul’s. Our two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs
employ the most advanced techniques to detect anomalies and provide catheter-based
treatment for compromised coronary arteries and valves, heart attacks
and vascular problems. These procedures achieve results with minimal discomfort,
faster healing times and less risk than traditional surgery.
With heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States,
I encourage everyone—even the triathletes among us— to take
advantage of our noninvasive diagnostic testing. Heart health screenings
include: a risk assessment, height, weight and body mass index assessment,
cholesterol and glucose test, EKG, blood pressure and heart rate check,
and counseling with a cardiac nurse.
To make an appointment to get screened, call 561-263-4437.