Marathon man knows the importance of screening heart health

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.

Each year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease. But, heart disease can often be prevented when healthy choices are made and proactive steps are taken.

Physical fitness and a healthy diet have been part of Wade Holland’s lifestyle for decades. Holland is 56 and a Medicare counselor at Three Rivers Planning and Development District.

He is also known by many as an exercise enthusiast and an avid marathon runner.

Several years ago, a good friend of Holland’s, who was also a physical fitness buff, died from a massive heart attack.

Even though he was healthy, with no warning signs, Holland promised his doctor he would get a heart screening.

“I gave my local doctor, Flavia West, my word that I would do the test, but it took me a year to do it. During that year, I felt God prompting me to do the test.  I was healthy, didn’t think I had a problem, did the tests and I had a high calcium score,” said Holland.

Further tests involved a CT scan, and discovered blockages in Holland’s heart.

Neither a heart cath, nor stents could fix the problem, so at 54-years-old, the healthy, marathon runner underwent heart bypass surgery.

Holland ran the Gumtree 10-K seven weeks after his surgery.

He said extensive rehab, prayer and dedication helped him return to a normal life. Now, he encourages everyone he meets to get a heart checkup.

“After I saw the video of my blockages, where it was just tiny blood flow in two areas, I have to believe there would have been some major issue for me , as much fitness as I did, I had a little dizziness before they identified the blockages, but I thought that was just normal fitness training,” said Holland.

Holland points out his case is proof that a person can do everything right as far as lifestyle choices, and still have a cardiovascular issue that can only be detected by a simple set of tests.

Holland has continued to run marathons after his surgery. He said he appreciates his second chance at life and is thankful for his doctors.