Whitehall Man Brings Heart to the Dance Floor After Care at Intermountain Health St. James Hospital
After farming for decades, David Brown, 85, of Whitehall, Mont. leaves much of the heavy lifting and hard work to others. Though, he admits that he still “keeps an eye on the farm” and still jumps in, moving sprinklers and other chores when needed.
But that doesn’t mean he isn’t active. Three nights a week you will see him out on the dance floors in Deer Lodge and Anaconda, doing his favorite thing, dancing to country music. “I like good music and it’s good exercise,” said Brown.
His favorite spot to dance is at the Elks club in Deer Lodge every Thursday night. Brown enjoys meeting up with friends from around the area and has no shortage of willing dance partners.
“This isn’t line dancing. You actually gotta dance with a gal,” he joked. “You know, the women usually out live the men, so, there is no shortage of dance partners.”
Brown’s heart is still working hard on the dance floor thanks to comprehensive care he has received at Intermountain Health in Butte. It was just two years ago that his symptoms developed unexpectedly.
During an appointment with his primary care provider, she recognized some signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. If untreated, the condition can lead to risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. Symptoms can be shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue, though some people may have no noticeable symptoms. Brown was referred to the Intermountain Health heart specialists for further evaluation and treatment.
Brown underwent an echocardiogram with Carlos Albrecht, MD, at St. James Hospital to get a clear picture of his heart. The imaging revealed a weakening in the top half of Brown’s heart affecting two of his heart valves. This can develop when someone has atrial fibrillation for a long time.
Because of the weakening, Brown’s valves did not properly close, which impacted how efficiently his heart was able to pump. This caused some symptoms of heart failure, including shortness of breath and swelling in his legs and feet.
“Treatment for Afib focuses on controlling heart rate and rhythm and preventing blood clots,” said Becky Wozniak, NP, Cardiology. “While some patients may need a heart procedure, we determined that David’s condition would be best managed through medication rather than surgery.”
Two years later, Brown, literally, hasn’t missed a beat. He is grateful to his care team and is grateful for every day he gets to dance. “I am kind of carefree in this stage of my life,” he said.
He brings that same attitude into the exam room. He is known for always lightening the mood and his keen sense of humor. Wozniak won’t let him leave his appointment without asking first: “Do you have a joke for me?”
“David's love of dancing and positive attitude have kept his heart healthy enough that when he developed a problem, his body was able to compensate for it,” said Wozniak. “He has not let his heart conditions slow him down. He keeps dancing and monitors his symptoms at home. He knows when his symptoms are getting worse by how well his dancing boots fit.”
Wozniak is grateful to work with patients like Brown and fulfill Intermountain Health’s mission to keep them living their healthiest life possible.