Regions Hospital: March 25, 2005

March 25, 2005

Valentine's Day gift leads to triple by-pass surgery
54-year-old patient to go home Monday

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. A 54- year old man whose wife asked him to get a physical for her Valentine's Day present is spending Easter in Regions Hospital, recovering from triple coronary by-pass surgery. Mike Schaitberger underwent the surgery at Regions Hospital Heart Center on Wednesday, March 23, 2005. "I asked for the physical because I couldn't remember the last time my husband had had one," said Lynette Schaitberger.

Schaitberger does not smoke, did not have any symptoms of heart disease and results of a stress test were inconclusive. However, his brother had an angioplasty and his father had by-pass surgery, so the physician ordered an angiogram at Regions. The angiogram revealed three blocked arteries - one was 100 percent blocked, the others 90 and 70 percent.

Even before the four-hour surgery, Schaitberger had joined Weight Watchers and lost 15 pounds. He says he will continue in Weight Watchers and plans to get more exercise. "I could have had a stroke or heart attack at any time, so I feel very lucky," said Schaitberger. "My advice to men: If you haven't had a physical in five years, make an appointment for one now," he added.

Schaitberger, who has two grown children, is scheduled to be released from Regions on Monday, March 28, 2005.

Visit our Heart Center web page for more information on the cardiology services at Regions Hospital.

Regions Hospital
Regions Hospital is a leading, full-service, private hospital providing outstanding medical care, with special programs in heart, womens care, cancer care, surgery, seniors services, digestive care, behavioral health, burn, emergency and Level I trauma. Established in 1872, the hospital has served the Twin Cities and surrounding region for more than 130 years. Patients receive state-of-the-art care in an environment that promotes comfort and healing. The health professionals at Regions Hospital are involved in teaching and research focused on improving health and medical care. Regions Hospital is part of the HealthPartners family of health care organizations.

Editor's note: Mike and Lynette Schaitberger are available for interviews. The exact time of his release from Regions has not yet been determined.