Margaret Rains
"They Saved My Life"
For days, Margaret had an uncomfortable feeling. She had her blood pressure medicine adjusted and within hours felt better. However, the relief didn’t last. Two days before her 63rd birthday, Margaret felt as if she had a fullness in her chest.
“I started feeling achy and was short of breath,” Margaret said. “The burning sensation in my chest stayed with me all night.”
After speaking with cardiologist Mammen P. Zachariah, M.D., Margaret came to Broward Health Imperial Point’s Emergency Department where she was diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
Dr. Zachariah examined her heart in the hospital’s advanced cardiac catherization lab and discovered several blockages in one of her arteries. He inserted a stent to restore Margaret’s blood flow.
“Margaret had a tight blockage in her arteries, however, following surgery she had a beautiful result,” Zachariah said.
Margaret celebrated her birthday at Broward Health Imperial Point while recovering from her cardiac cath lab procedure
“Dr. Zachariah is incredible. He saved my life,” she said. “I cannot say enough about the nurses here. Everyone has been wonderful.”
Margaret has made lifestyle changes to improve her health. “I’m eating more vegetables and have eliminated sugars and carbs,” she said. “I feel good. I feel like Dr. Zachariah saved my life.”
Margaret is back to work and taking long walks with the family dog, Murphy.
Margaret advises women to listen to their bodies. “Pay attention to what’s happening and talk with your doctor,” she said.
Mammen P. Zachariah, M.D., cardiology, is with the Broward Health Physician Group and practices at Broward Health Imperial Point, 6401 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308.
To learn more about Cardiac Services at Broward Health, click below.