Midland Man Trades Skepticism for Strength Following Heart Attack

“Dr. Mattichak’s swift intervention restored blood flow to my heart, but it was cardiac rehab that truly restored my strength. The program rejuvenated me and gave me the stamina to return to my active life and my music.”

Tony Simone - Midland, MI

Musician, Songwriter, Heart Attack Survivor

When 74-year-old Tony Simone suffered a heart attack in December 2024, Interventional Cardiologist Stephen Mattichak, M.D., acted swiftly to save his life. Dr. Mattichak performed a coronary angioplasty and placed two stents, quickly restoring proper blood flow to his heart. But the real challenge began during his recovery. Simone nearly bypassed his prescribed cardiac rehab after being skeptical it was necessary. Today he is a firm believer of the benefits. Taking a second chance on the program turned out to be the best decision he ever made.

Simone is active and enjoys working around his home. He was pushing a wheelbarrow when he experienced tightness in his chest and general disorientation. He went to Urgent Care and ended up at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland for cardiac intervention for a heart attack.

“I have always felt strong and healthy,” Simone said. “My throat had been feeling strange for a couple of days, but that day pushing my wheelbarrow, I knew something was seriously wrong. I was taken to the hospital in Midland and met Dr. Mattichak. He was a good listener with great bedside manner. He explained the procedure he would be doing calmly and clearly. I was obviously very pleased with my outcome.”

Simone was so pleased, he felt he could forego the cardiac rehabilitation prescribed at his three-week follow-up appointment. He had talked with others about rehab and wasn’t sure it was necessary. Two months later, Simone hadn’t regained his normal energy levels and wasn’t feeling himself. He was feeling slow – a symptom before the heart attack – and was experiencing anxiety. He checked in with his primary care provider who told him that anxiety often impacts heart patients and encouraged him to participate in the rehabilitation prescribed. Simone changed his mind about cardiac rehab.

“I was encouraged to attend cardiac rehab as prescribed and decided to try it. I’m so glad I did,” Simone shared. “From the moment I met Alex and Molly, I knew it was going to be a positive experience.”

Molly White, B.S., C.C.R.P., and Alexandrea Hyer, B.S., at Cardiac Rehabilitation Services in Midland, have designed a comprehensive program to help heart patients gain a well-rounded understanding of heart health and overall health. Before each exercise session, patients attend an educational session and participate in stretching before they move into the gym. The scale of the program impressed Simone.

“It is a fantastic program they have put together,” said Simone. “The classroom sessions were very informative, covering topics like nutrition, medications, mental health and more. All the staff members offer a lot of support, and it was great being around other patients who have gone through similar experiences. Those connections rejuvenated me. I enjoyed it more than I thought I ever would.”

Tony is feeling himself now, working around his house, walking and visiting the gym three times a week. He also keeps busy as a musician. “I’m a lucky man and would recommend MyMichigan’s cardiac rehabilitation to anyone,” he said. “I think people have misconceptions about it. Try it once, and you will be hooked. I wish I could still go!”

Those who would like additional information about the comprehensive heart care at MyMichigan Health may visit www.mymichigan.org/heart. Additional information about cardiac rehabilitation can be found at www.mymichigan.org/heartrehab.