Caring for your heart is always important—even if you feel “healthy as a horse.”

Elmer Wolden, cardiac patient at Kaweah Delta, worked at a prison in the Central Valley for more than a decade-- constantly looking over his shoulder, and never realizing that this “high-tension” environment would have consequences later in his life.

The constant stress he faced caused him to have heart attack on New Year’s Eve of 2019 and was rushed for immediate heart surgery. “Everyone thought I was dead, because they didn’t think I was going to make it,” said Elmer.

His wife, Louise Wolden, was at ease knowing that Elmer was going to have cardiac surgery at Kaweah Delta and that Dr. Leheb Araim, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, would care for her husband’s heart.

“He’s very blessed to have almost left us, and then come back,” said Louise.

Kaweah Delta is the only hospital in California affiliated with Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular &Thoracic Institute. Cleveland Clinic has been ranked #1 in the nation for heart care since 1995 by U.S. News & World Report.

“This hospital will save your life. There’s some of the best doctors in the world, I’d say,” said Elmer.