In January of 2019, Franz survived a mild heart attack. Unbeknownst to Franz, the attack started while he was shoveling snow, but it wasn’t until days later that he realized something was very wrong.

Franz was working out on a treadmill at our Center and noticed his heart rate was spiking to 200 bpm on his heart rate monitor. He didn’t think much of it, actually thought the machine was broken, and left. Three days later he returned and did his entire exercise program again, on a different machine, and noticed his heart rate was still over 200 bpm.  This is when he began to worry.

After a visit with his family doctor, the heart attack was confirmed. On March 4^th, Franz had a stent put in to reopen his 100% blocked artery.  His doctors credit his recovery to his current endurance level.  Now, after completing 12 weeks of cardiac rehab at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Franz’s heart has totally recovered and he is grateful to be back to his workouts at the Center.

Franz says he’s been able to accomplish his past triumphs because the Center has equipment that is new and user friendly, helpful and friendly staff who are always ready with assistance and guidance, and a review of his exercise program every 3 months.  He especially likes the cleanliness of this whole facility, including the locker rooms.

What does he look forward to most?

“Working to improve myself personally. I feel accomplishment when I am done. I am proud of where I am now, compared to where I started. Much improvement. I also like seeing the staff, and talking to them. They always make me feel very welcome.”