Heather Pavese is no stranger to heart troubles. In 2012, she had a mechanical heart valve put in back due to an aortic aneurysm. Shortly after moving to North Carolina in 2018, Heather suffered a heart attack and recovered with the help of WakeMed’s care team and got connected with cardiologist Dr. Raj Fofaria for […]
At age 58, WakeMed physician assistant Ron Fazio, PA-C has had several exciting careers and lives his life with purpose. Following a few years in the NFL and a brief acting career, Ron has spent 14+ years working with WakeMed’s heart surgery team, helping many of our sickest patients live their lives to the fullest, […]
When it comes to heart disease, there’s no discrimination — and family history is one of the toughest risk factors to overcome. That’s why at age 45, a seemingly healthy Michael Blouin had a very shocking day that reminds us all of the importance of listening to our bodies. A Shocking Day It was May […]
Wes Harper is a survivor — in more ways than one. His journey with atrial fibrillation started in 2017, in a very unique way with no symptoms and none of the typical risk factors. As a huge fan of The Discovery Channel’s survivalist TV series called Naked & Afraid, Wes was awaiting his opportunity to […]
Amanda Thompson joined WakeMed in August 2018 and is the leader for WakeMed’s Heart & Vascular procedural, diagnostic, cardiac nursing and critical care units. Here, Amanda tells us a little about her career, her favorite fall traditions, how COVID-19 has impacted her, and some exciting innovations coming for heart and vascular patients. Q: What are […]
The latest edition of Heart to Heart Magazine, WakeMed Heart & Vascular’s quarterly heart health awareness publication, began hitting mailboxes late last week. The diverse editorial in this most recent issue includes articles on cardiac rehab, Ira David Wood’s valve replacement, and how joy can impact physical well-being. There is also an entire article on […]
Dr. Joel Schneider, a cardiologist with Wake Heart & Vascular Associates, recently received a pleasant surprise from his patient, Gloria Whitley of Nashville, NC. Whitley presented Dr. Schneider with a sweet potato in the shape of an anatomically correct heart! “When I gave it to Dr. Schneider, his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree,” […]
