Real People, Real Stories

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Real People Real Stories is a segment of Heart South Cardiovascular Group. We understand the concerns and at times the anxiety one might feel associated with seeing a cardiologist. On behalf of our own patients, we thought this would be a great opportunity for our patients to share their stories and eliminate the stress they might encounter. At Heart South, our patients are valued and often hear that they feel like family. On behalf of Heart South Cardiovascular Group, it’s an honor to serve you and your loved ones.

If you are a patient, we would love to hear your story! It’s quick and simple. Thank you in advance for your sharing your story.

Real Story by Mary:

I recently experienced a life-threatening situation that started because of falling at home. While in the hospital being treated for the injuries that resulted from the fall, I had a heart attack. Once I was rushed down to the CICU this is where I came into contact with HeartSouth.

My experience with HeartSouth and Dr. Aggarwal was exceptional. The morning before two stints were put in place, Dr. Aggarwal spoke with me, my daughter, and my son-in-law and explained in detail the issues, and answered all of our questions concerning the procedure that I was about to go through. He was very patient, considerate, and helpful. His care and expertise were very much appreciated. Even after the procedure, the care and support from Dr. Aggarwal and HeartSouth were superb.

HeartSouth’s personnel and the nurses were very good to me. They are very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions and explained procedures and health issues in a way that was very understandable.

I felt that everyone involved treated me as one of their own family members. HeartSouth went above and beyond what was necessary to provide me with excellent health care and get me to full recovery. I appreciate all that HeartSouth and Dr. Aggarwal have done for me.

Real Story by Charlene:

My mother Helen who passed away on 25 April 2015 at the age of 93. Her cardiac doctor was Dr. Vance. My mother really liked him. His personality, professionalism, caring all were top-notch. Helen really liked him and trusted his judgment. Helen was in pretty good shape until she had a stroke. When Helen passed away Dr. Vance took the time to write a personal note to us regarding Helen and what a wonderful woman she was. I now have started seeing Dr. Vance and I too also like him very much for the same reason my mother did. We both trust with our health and we would pass on his name to others looking for a cardiologist.

Real Story by Heather:

When I first came to Heart South on October 19, 2016, I could barely breathe and Dr. Gaddam saved my life. I was admitted to Shelby Hospital where they found a blood clot in my heart. After being on blood thinners and new heart medications, I am doing better now. Thank you Dr. Gaddam and to the staff for saving my life. I am so beyond thankful for all you’ve done to save me and to keep me alive. I would recommend Heart South to anyone!

Real Story by Norma:

I  have been a patient of Dr. McBrayer for around 16 years. I was 55 yrs old at the time. I had experienced irregular heart rhythms for several years but it didn’t really affect my life very much. I had a bad episode with a near-fainting spell during Christmas of that year. Right after that, I went to my primary care. I had extremely high blood pressure and that was very unusual for me.   I’m a tiny 100 pounds that always had a normal to low BP. Dr. McBrayer was so kind to me & very determined to get to the bottom of what was going on. I was experiencing irregular heartbeats at the time too. I’m allergic to almost everything, so I’m hard to treat. I had a background in cardiac medicine so we talked over every opinion. He always took all the time I needed. We tried many things. Finally, after many attempts to convince me,  I  had a stress test. I passed out during that after just a couple of minutes.   I had a catheterization soon after that. My arteries were somewhat clear so we had to keep working on what was wrong. Finally, after many meds &   several other tests, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. He put me on an anti-arrhythmia drug & a different BP med.  It worked on me. I have been going every 3–6 months since then. I feel like he is a part of my family. He’s never too busy to listen. I have total trust in him. He’s the very best. Thank you Dr. McBrayer for giving me my life back.

Real Story by Robert:


Visiting Dr. Goyal, he noted from my records that I had a lot of arthritis. He asked if I walked much, and I told him no because of arthritis. He suggested that I go to the YMCA… which I could do as a Silver Sneakers member, and get into the pool and walk around in the 4 to 5-foot deep water. I did that the next day, and I must say the difference was remarkable, after ONE visit!   I would not have expected such advice from a Cardiologist, but I got it and it works. It shows me he’s interested in my well-being, not just my heart.   That is most commendable.

Do you have a Real Story?  Submit your story below.