Cardiac Rehab Provides a Path to Recovery for Fairfield Glade Resident

Roger Hulgan is a Chattanooga native who served in the U.S. Coast Guard and graduated from Tennessee Tech in Cookeville. He had a distinguished career as a director of engineering, working for 16 hospitals in 35 years. He and his wife, Suz, moved to Fairfield Glade 13 years ago. After undergoing bypass surgery, Hulgan says Cumberland Medical Center’s cardiac rehab program was an important facet of his recovery.  

Timely Diagnosis and Treatment

Hulgan, who says he has a “long line of heart issues in my family tree,” has always been diligent about six-month checkups and lab tests, and typically received a clean bill of health. But one day he just didn’t feel right. He underwent numerous tests and echocardiograms under the care of interventional cardiologist Milan Sheth, DO. Dr. Sheth practices at Covenant Medical Group’s Parkway Cardiology Associates, which has offices in Oak Ridge and several East Tennessee locations, including Crossville and Fairfield Glade.

Despite his good health habits, Hulgan eventually needed bypass surgery. He says the diagnosis and treatment of his heart issues provided “an opportunity to embark on a path to recovery.” He adds, “I’m grateful for the timely diagnosis that allowed me to avoid more severe consequences.”

Hulgan actively participated in cardiac rehabilitation at Covenant Health Cumberland in Crossville. He attended three “courses” of cardiac rehab, for a total of 108 sessions.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that helps people improve cardiovascular health. It is particularly beneficial after heart attack, heart surgery, or other cardiac events. Cumberland’s expert cardiac rehabilitation team educates patients about heart health and monitors their hearts and vital signs during exercise. The team makes sure patients are taking their medications as prescribed, and serves as patient advocates.

Camaraderie Supports Recovery

“Cumberland Medical Center’s cardiac rehab team made me feel at home from day one. The staff are always happy and encouraging,” Hulgan said. “I appreciate the excellent educational topics, including information on medications, dietary recommendations, signs and symptoms to watch for, and how to live with and recover from heart procedures. The continuous monitoring of my heart vitals and the reassuring feedback from the staff have been crucial in my positive recovery journey.”

Hulgan says the camaraderie among patients in the cardiac rehab program is a significant benefit. “Interacting with others who are at various stages of recovery provides positive motivation and a sense of community,” he says. “I built immediate friendships and soon realized I was also ‘lifting’ others. We become cheerleaders for one another, sharing our experiences and encouraging each other through the process.”

The cardiac rehab team agreed, noting “the most impactful thing in cardiac rehab is the camaraderie, making lifelong friends, and talking to other patients who are going through similar life changes because of their cardiac events.”

Heart Care That’s Close to Home

Another advantage of Cumberland Medical Canter’s cardiac rehab program is its convenient location. “Patients like me no longer have to endure long commutes,” Hulgan said. “We are immensely proud to have excellent cardiologists in Crossville and Fairfield Glade, and a top-notch cardiac rehab program in Crossville. This accessibility means there are no excuses for not utilizing the program and taking charge of one’s health.”

The Covenant Health Cumberland cardiac rehab team says they are also happy to care for patients in the Cumberland Plateau region. “We love our patients! If and if you ever need cardiac rehab, we cannot wait to take care of you,” says a team member.

As his recovery continues, Hulgan loves to play golf and to travel with Suz. “This spring we have a huge anniversary trip to Ireland planned,” he says. “I feel like the luckiest man in the world – I’m living life once again.”

Thanks to excellent heart care close to home and the Cumberland Medical Center cardiac rehab program, Hulgan says, “I and many others are on the road to recovery, celebrating our progress and looking forward to healthier futures.”

A physician referral is needed for cardiac rehabilitation. Our Covenant Health cardiologists are available to help you achieve your best heart health. You are also invited to visit our cardiology web page to learn more about heart care at Covenant Health Cumberland.