To name some In attendance were Nick Landosky, wife, Nicole, and their daughter; Lisa Breza, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Hamilton; members of RWJUH Hamilton’s Senior Leadership Team, Cardiovascular / Cath Lab and Cardiac Rehab Team; Lasanta Horana, MD, Vice President of the Medical Staff, and Chair of Emergency Services; Cardiologist Justin Fox, MD, Medical Staff & Chair, Department of Cardiology, RWJUH Hamilton, Member of Hamilton Cardiology Associates; Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, AGNP-C, Administrative Director Patient Care-Cardiovascular Services & Healthy Lives Hamilton Program; Hilary Nierenberg, FACHE, Senior Vice President, RWJBarnabas Health Heart & Vascular Service Line; Robert Carlucci, VP Operations, Heart & Vascular Service Line, RWJBarnabas Health; and Lauren Burke, VP, Heart & Vascular Quality, RWJBarnabas Health
As part of a systemwide February observance of American Heart Month, RWJBarnabas Health hospitals recognized the lifesaving care provided by their Heart and Vascular care teams with local patient reunion celebrations.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, hosted its annual reunion on February 13 with patient Nick Landosky of Hamilton Township, NJ. The heartwarming event celebrated the incredible bond between patients, their loved ones, and the hospital’s physicians, nurses, and support staff--apowerful reminder that behind every heartbeat is a team devoted to saving lives and healing.
“It is truly meaningful to have the opportunity to gather here today with our patient, his family, physicians, nurses and staff, not just to reconnect, but to celebrate life, healing and the power of exceptional care,” shared Lisa Breza, Chief Administrative Officer of RWJUH Hamilton. “And thank you, Nick, for trusting us with your heart.”
Nick’s medical emergency began with severe chest pain radiating to both arms profuse sweating. He initially thought he had pulled a muscle, but the pain persisted and worsened. His wife, Nicole, insisted he go to the emergency room at RWJUH Hamilton as her concern intensified.
Upon arrival to the emergency department, testing by the ED team indicated a possible myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as heart attack.
“Getting to an emergency room right away ensures patients receive timely treatment, which can limit heart muscle damage and save lives,” said Lasanta Horana, MD, Vice President of the Medical Staff, and Chair of Emergency Services at RWJUH Hamilton.
Nick’s condition was serious, and time was of the essence. He was quickly seen by an interventional cardiologist and prepared for an emergency procedure called a cardiac catheterization. Pictures taken in Cath Lab revealed a blood clot blocking his left anterior descending artery. A stent was placed in the artery, restoring circulation to the heart muscle. His pain was immediately relieved, and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he was monitored and underwent routine testing to evaluate left ventricular function.
“In order to properly treat Nick, a cardiologist relies on a highly skilled, specialized team, and I am proud to say we have that expertise in our two Cath Labs at RWJUH Hamilton,” says Justin Fox, MD, Cardiologist, Chair of the Department of Cardiology, and member of Hamiton Cardiology Associates. “Nick had the best of the best. From the Emergency Room to the catheterization procedure to aftercare and cardiac rehab, I am proud of the entire team for delivering this high level of emergent cardiac care.”
As part of his recovery, Nick wore an automatic external defibrillator for three months and followed a medication regimen to improve left ventricular function. He has followed up with cardiologist Mahmoud S. Ghusson, MD, RWJUH Hamilton, and President and CEO of Hamilton Cardiology Associates. Dr. Ghusson is a longtime leader in cardiovascular care in our community and helped establish RWJUH Hamilton’s first cardiac catheterization lab. Nick underwent a stress test and was cleared to enroll in cardiac rehabilitation.
“The moral of the story is to just go and get checked out,” Nick shared at the reunion. “If it turns out to be nothing, then it is nothing. Do not wait because my story could have been very different. I still get to be a dad, a husband, brother, and son, and I get to see my daughter Nora turn 2 years old in a couple of months. I appreciate everyone here today, including the ED staff for recognizing what was happening and getting me treatment right away and the doctors in the Cath lab. What seemed like only a couple of minutes made me feel pain-free, and I am thankful to everyone for making me and my wife feel assured that everything was going to be okay.”
RWJUH Hamilton’s Cardiac Rehab team played an integral role in Nick’s recovery. After completing three months of cardiac rehabilitation, he returned to his normal activities and was feeling amazing.
Cardiac rehabilitation helps patients recover, restore heart health, and reduce the risk of having another cardiac event. Nick added, “The cardiac rehab team helped me build my heart back up and get stronger.”
Nick now manages his risk factors, follows a heart-healthy diet, and maintains regular follow-up care with his cardiologist. No one plans on heart problems. But everyone should have a plan for them.
“At RWJBarnabas Health, Heart Month is a time to reaffirm our promise of care and why we do this work every day,” said Hiliary Nierenberg, Senior Vice President, Heart and Vascular Service Line. “Together, we are saving lives and shaping the heart of our future.”
A heart attack is a cardiac emergency and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly.Anyone who experiences an acute onset of symptoms like chest pain, fullness, discomfort, or pressure; shortness of breath; pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the neck, jaw, or stomach; breaks out into a cold sweat, experiences nausea, vomiting or passes out should call 911 immediately.
REMEMBER! Call 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect you or someone you are with may be having a heart attack or medical emergency. Do not drive yourself or someone else to the hospital.
Learn more about Heart and Vascular care at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton.