Heart-saving measures for one Kaiser Permanente Fresno member

A quadruple bypass was the wake-up call needed for a Kaiser Permanente Fresno member to make healthier choices.

Nick Cabututan could barely walk half a block without gasping for breath last September while on vacation in Reno, Nevada.

A 30-year smoker, Cabututan kicked the habit a month before and thought maybe his shortness of breath was because he wasn’t smoking anymore. But just to be sure, when he returned home, he called the Kaiser Permanente appointment and advice line so he could get checked out by his doctor.

Instead, he was told to go to the Emergency Department.

Cabututan, 55, was reluctant, but his wife convinced him to go. Looking back now, Cabututan said that decision easily saved his life and prevented a heart attack from occurring.

With February being National Heart Month, Cabututan wanted to share his story publicly to raise awareness about heart disease. This year, one in four Americans will die of heart disease.

Cabututan failed a stress test while in the ED and was told he needed to get further testing at the Saint Agnes cath lab. It was there that they discovered Cabututan had atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries,” and would need a quadruple bypass as soon as possible.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Cabututan said when he learned what was wrong. “I just thought I was having a hard time breathing.”

Now post-surgery, Cabututan, who is in the Army National Guard, said he feels “100 percent better.” He said he wishes he would have made changes to his lifestyle earlier, so he could have prevented his heart problems.

A heavy smoker for 30-plus years, Cabututan said he knew smoking was harmful, especially after his wife was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago. That’s what prompted him to finally seek out help from KP’s smoking cessation program.

With the help of medicine, Cabututan said he was finally able to quit after trying unsuccessfully for many years. “The program really works. I’m grateful to Kaiser for helping me do it.”

Family Medicine Physician Jesus Rodriguez, MD, said smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease. “Just quitting smoking can reduce your chances of having a heart attack significantly,” he said.

Rodriguez also said heart disease is preventable, and making healthier choices now can reduce the risk.

Cabututan has already taken that advice to heart.

Through KP’s Multi-Fit program, Cabututan is working closely with Care Manager Virginia Bailey, RN, who checks in with him to make sure he is exercising, eating healthy and taking his medication properly.

Cabututan said he’s following all the recommendations he’s been given. He walks up to a mile a day. He’s eating better and limiting his salt intake. He’s also trying not to let little things bother him, so he can reduce his stress.

A 25-year KP member, Cabututan said he’s grateful for the care he received and knows he’s on a path toward living a long and healthy life.