U.S. Masters Swimmer Regains Confidence with Broward Health Medical Center Cardiac Rehab
August 25, 2022 – Anita Mitchell has been a swimmer and athlete for her entire life. In July 2021, Mitchell suffered a heart attack, which was particularly shocking given her dedication to exercise. Although her excellent physical condition was vital to her survival and recovery, her confidence was shaken. But with the support from the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Broward Health Medical Center, she is well on her way back to her active lifestyle.
Left to right: Ryan Cranshaw, exercise physiologist and cardiac rehab specialist at Broward Heath Medical Center and Anita Mitchell
In May 2021, Mitchell, 71, began feeling fatigued, especially after her workouts. “I just rationalized it away and attributed it to getting older,” she said. “I had a complete physical in December, and my doctor said to keep doing what I was doing.” But in mid-July, she felt pressure in her chest while swimming, and when her symptoms progressed to vomiting and feeling generally “awful,” she found herself in the Broward Health Medical Center Emergency Department.
“I remember getting an ECG and hearing, ‘You’re having a heart attack,’” she said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
An Emergency Procedure
The cardiac team whisked her into the cardiac catheterization lab, where they unblocked and placed a stent in one of her arteries. Over the next five days, doctors repeated the procedure for two more arteries.
Mitchell was convinced that her life had changed forever. “I thought I’d become an instant old lady, and the active part of my life was over,” she said. “Maybe I’d caused this myself
by swimming too much.”
But the staff from the Cardiac Rehab Team, who visited her in her hospital room, reassured her that she could take control of her recovery, and they encouraged her to begin a structured cardiac rehabilitation program as soon as her cardiologist cleared her.
Plunging Into Rehab
In early August, Mitchell started outpatient cardiac rehab at the Broward Health Fitness Center. Ryan Cranshaw, exercise physiologist and cardiac rehab specialist, remembered her first visit.
“Like most heart attack survivors, Anita was concerned that she would push herself too hard,” he said. “She needed the support of being in a monitored environment.” He worked with her to design an individualized program that incorporated the treadmill, elliptical trainer and upper body ergometer. Mitchell also wore a portable ECG monitor to ensure that her heart rate stayed within a safe range, and her blood pressure was taken before and after her workout.
During the next 12 weeks, Mitchell came in three times a week and gradually felt herself getting stronger. “By early September, I was back in the pool,” she said. “I was so happy to swim just 25 yards. And I found out that it was the swimming that actually helped me survive my heart attack.”
Getting Along Swimmingly
After completing the program, Mitchell joined the Broward Health Medical Center Fitness Center as a regular member. She no longer needs to be monitored during her workouts, but she enjoys being in the gym and around the medical staff she has come to know. A follow-up visit with her cardiologist in the fall reassured her that her heart is on the mend.
“I take my time warming up and cooling down, and I’m not swimming as fast I used to, but I can still complete an entire hour-long swim practice,” she said. “I’m feeling pretty good, and I feel as if I am going to be OK.”
If you or a loved one would like more information, call 954.712.4275 or visit BrowardHealth.org/FitnessCenter.
