Jerry Little

Other than needing a hernia repaired, Jerry Little was feeling just fine. Ready to fix his only known health issue, he made an appointment with a general surgeon hoping to be cleared for surgery. However, an abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG) alerted doctors to a potential heart issue and sent Jerry to board-certified cardiologist Dr. Ashkan Attaran for further testing.

Soon, Dr. Attaran would discover Jerry’s health issues were gravely more serious than a hernia. A major blockage in his left anterior descending artery, less affectionately known as the “widow maker”, meant Jerry was on the verge of suffering a heart attack. A stent was placed to remove the blockage but just one year later, additional blockages would be found and Jerry would need Triple Bypass Heart Surgery to save his life.

“I was scared but can’t say enough good things about the doctors and nurses who cared for me,” expressed Jerry. “Life is so short and I have a whole new perspective on life.” Thanks to the nationally recognized cardiac team at Kaweah Health, less than a year after Triple Bypass Heart Surgery, Jerry is thriving and thankful he gets to blow out another year of birthday candles.