Donald von Ohlen is the picture of health. At 70, this Brick resident works out, plays sports, and even won two gold medals in the 2009 New Jersey Senior Olympics. It's even more impressive considering that, over the past 14 years, he had had a heart attack, bypass surgery, a stroke, and seven stents implanted.
On December 31, 1995, Donald suffered a heart attack while preparing for a New Year's Eve party. Within minutes of his wife calling 911, emergency medical services whisked him to Ocean Medical Center's emergency department (ED), where he was stabilized and later transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center to undergo bypass surgery.
Over the next several years, Donald saw his cardiologist, V.P. Kate, M.D., regularly and underwent multiple tests and procedures at Ocean and Jersey Shore. He even suffered a stroke, but prompt medical attention resulted in a full recovery.
In August 2008, Donald felt familiar chest pressure. He told his wife, "Let's go," and they headed to Ocean's ED. Surgery followed at Jersey Shore, and then Donald joined Ocean's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
"Cardiac rehab is an important part of recovery," says Dr. Kate. "Ocean's experts monitor you and help build strength and endurance. As your energy level increases, you feel better and build confidence to be more active."
He also notes that attitude is important. "Donald's positive outlook, hard work, and commitment to a health lifestyle have made a difference."
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program consists of exercise, education, and support to improve the function of the heart. Donald saw steady results, graduated from the program, and joined Meridian Life Fitness -- a fitness center located in the hospital. The benefits of a medically supervised fitness center became clear when he felt dizzy while exercising one day. "The staff whisked me to the emergency department," he says. "Everything was OK, but it's one of the reasons I like working out here."
Donald touts the benefits of having access to such great resources at Ocean and Jersey Shore, and the entire Meridian CardioVascular Network.
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them," he says. "And the people are the best. The attention you get is unbelievable; they can't do enough for you."
Donald still gets choked up when he thinks back to his New Year's Eve experience. "I was only 57 years old when I had my first heart attack," he says. "It was a turning point in my life -- a wake-up call to eat right, exercise, and listen to my doctor."
And the staff made that New Year's one to remember for more reasons than one: They allowed his 10 friends in his room at midnight so that he could ring in the New Year with loved ones.
About the Doctor
V.P. Kate, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases
Brick | 732-458-7575
