Back in Rhythm: The Bowles' Journey to Heart Health

For 45 years, Steve and Susan Bowles have called Rolla home. When unexpected heart issues disrupted their lives this spring, Phelps Health helped them return to what matters most: spending time with family and giving back to their community.

The Bowles have relied on Phelps Health for more than 40 years. All three of their children were born here, and both Steve and Susan continue to see primary care providers at Phelps Health—John Armstrong, DO, for Steve and Jennifer O’Malley, MD, for Susan.

That trust proved critical this past spring. On the morning of April 8, Steve, age 71, experienced textbook heart attack symptoms.

“My chest started hurting,” said Steve, a local insurance agent. “Then I couldn't breathe as well. I was sweating profusely. I told Susan I was going to drive myself to the [Phelps Health] ED [emergency department]. She said, ‘No you're not,’ and quickly drove me there.”

“My ED experience was fantastic,” he said. “The crew was well trained. Everybody had a job, and they did it.”

Within a short time of arriving at the ED, Steve was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 

“An EKG (electrocardiogram) confirmed that I had experienced an active heart attack,” he said. “I had a major blockage at the time. Dr. Virk [Fawad Virk, MD, FACC, an interventional cardiologist at Phelps Health] put in three stents (wire mesh tubes that keep arteries open and restore blood flow) that day, and I was out the next day and feeling fine.”

Susan, age 69, had a different experience just a couple of weeks later—no pain or traditional symptoms—just “bubbles in my chest,” as she put it.

“I had indigestion, and it didn’t go away,” said Susan, who works in student education at Phelps Health. “It was in the middle of my chest. Later, I remember feeling pain in my neck and jaw.”

On her boss’s suggestion, Susan walked down to the ED to have her symptoms checked out. Although she wasn’t having a heart attack, the ED staff noted her high blood pressure.

After a few hours of observation, ED Physician Evan Cameron, MD, told Susan he wasn’t comfortable sending her home—he believed something more serious was going on.

Dr. Cameron admitted the employee-turned-patient for further testing. Following a stress test, Dr. Virk discovered a 100% blockage in Susan’s heart.

The news was serious: “Unfortunately, I can't fix this for you,” Dr. Virk told his patient. “You need much more than a stent… you're going to need a bypass.”

Dr. Virk arranged for Susan’s transfer to a St. Louis hospital, where she underwent triple bypass surgery.
 
“Everything went well,” she said. “I was home in a few days, and I've had great care since, including visits from Phelps Health Home Health. Then, Steve and I started doing cardiac rehab together at Phelps Health.”

For Steve, his quick turnaround left him feeling better almost immediately.

In Susan’s case, the recovery was longer, given the extent of her procedure. 

She credits her medical team for catching her issue in time.
 
“Dr. Virk is conservative when it comes to testing,” Susan said. “But I’m so thankful he kept looking. When the imaging wasn’t clear, he moved forward with a heart catheterization (where a thin hollow tube (catheter) is guided through a blood vessel to the heart to check for heart or blood vessel problems)—and that’s when he found the blockage and referred me on.”

Now, life is returning to normal for the Bowles. Steve has jumped back into volunteering.

“We lost the months of April and May to recovery, but I was able to participate in the [Rolla] Lions Club Carnival,” he said. “If you've ever done that, you know it can be a grueling 4 days. We've also been able to travel a little and enjoy a long weekend when we can.”

Both Susan and Steve say cardiac rehab has been a game-changer.

“I feel confident because we're being monitored at all times,” Susan said. “The nurses up there are great. I'm very thankful to have it [cardiac rehab].”

“Cardiac rehab is the best thing that's come out of this whole situation,” Steve said. “They make it a non-competitive trip to the gym. You go and do what you can and leave. They’ve also helped me with my diet. I do love fast food, but they're weaning me off a little.”

Both Susan and Steve agree: Dr. Virk made all the difference.

“I’m here talking to you today because of him, and I appreciate that,” Steve said.

The couple's message is clear: Don’t ignore what your body is telling you—get checked out. 

“I was very lucky,” Susan said. “I think it’s important to trust those signals—no matter how vague. A lot of people have discomfort and dismiss it. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re OK.”

Looking back, she does recognize some clues, some indication that something was off.

“I was really tired,” said Susan, who is typically a night owl. “I’d come home, cook supper and be exhausted, which isn’t like me. Now that I'm getting energy back, I can see the difference.”

The Bowles also appreciate MyChart, Phelps Health’s patient portal, for helping them stay on top of their appointments and prescriptions.

“At my advanced age, I like it for the reminders,” Steve joked. “I also use it to pay medical bills electronically.”
Susan finds it just as helpful, using it to message her doctors and ask questions.

The couple is quick to recommend their local health system.

“It’s [a heart emergency] not a situation you hope to be in,” Steve said, “But in terms of care and recovery—it was 110%. Everything went perfectly, from the time I walked in until the time I walked out.”

Susan agreed.

“We’ve recommended Dr. Virk to several people,” she said. “When I went back to St. Louis for a checkup, my care team asked where I was from. When I said Rolla, they replied, ‘That’s a good hospital with a strong heart practice.’ I also found out the doctor who did my bypass works hand-in-hand with Dr. Virk—that was very reassuring.”

“And we’re still here,” said Steve.

“Yes, we’re still here,” echoed Susan.

Thanks to Phelps Health, the Bowles are back to doing what they love—together.