In 2009, out of nowhere, Jimmie Luckey began having heart trouble. He was in his late 60s when he had a heart attack and received stents to open his arteries and supply his heart with oxygen-rich blood.
A few years later, he received “one of the best referrals he’s ever had” in the form of Kamil Hanna, MD. His primary care provider recommended that he go see Dr. Hanna, Cardiac Electrophysiologist, who was then located in Albany, a 30-minute drive from Jimmie’s home of Camilla.
Jimmie was experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue after doing the simplest of tasks, so he knew something was off.
He was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (Afib), which is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. This kind of irregular, often rapid heart rate commonly causes poor blood flow. Dr. Hanna shared with him that patients with AFib have a five times greater risk of having a stroke.
To treat his condition, Jimmie was prescribed blood thinners to decrease his risk of developing a blood clot and underwent a cryo-ablation for his Afib.
Dr. Hanna then joined SGMC Health in January 2022 to begin its cardiac electrophysiology program. Jimmie quickly followed, now traveling nearly an hour and a half for his appointments.
In May 2023, SGMC Health began offering the Watchman procedure, a revolutionary implanted device that reduces the risk of stroke without the need for lifelong blood thinners. Dr. Hanna told Jimmie that he was an ideal candidate for the procedure.
Jimmie jumped at the opportunity to no longer need blood thinners. He was among the first group of patients to receive the Watchman at SGMC Health.
He went in for his surgery and went home the very next day. He had no after-effects and no downtime.
Now, at 83 years old, Jimmie enjoys his daily 2.5 mile walk around his neighborhood without feeling tired or out of breath. He even saw a welcome increase in his appetite following the procedure.
For anyone else who may be experiencing heart trouble, Jimmie advises them to take their health seriously, make an appointment, and follow through with what their doctors say.
“I have complete confidence in Dr. Hanna,” he shared.