News Release: February 18, 1999

Albuquerque, NM - Local hairstylist Bill Hungate is a man with a lot to celebrate during Heart Month. Not only has he survived a heart attack, his quality of life is better than ever before.

The "old Bill" lived to excess. He smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day, ate a lot of fast food, and didn't think twice about what his lifestyle might cost him. Until it nearly cost him his life.

Then, at 51, Bill almost died. He found himself at home, feeling ill with what he thought was just a stomachache. When he got to the doctor's office, they told him it wasn't his stomach; he was having a massive heart attack. He was promptly admitted to the hospital where he received life-saving treatment.

Six weeks after his heart attack, Bill was cleaning out his car. The smoke from his cigarettes and the smell of grease-soaked fast food sacks hit him squarely in the face. He was shocked at the reminders of his unhealthy past and knew he would never again return to that lifestyle.

These days, Bill is a new man. He gave up cigarettes, quit excessive drinking, eats healthy, and exercises regularly. He has lost 65 pounds, feels great, and is enjoying life more than ever. According to Bill, the experience absolutely changed his life. "I am a happier, healthier man than I was prior to my heart attack. Without my new diet and exercise program, I wouldn't be here. I'm a believer!" said Hungate.

Bill started a cardiac rehabilitation program while he was still in the hospital. Upon his release, he immediately began working out at the Presbyterian Healthplex. His typical workout consists of a 5-mile ride on the semi-recumbent bicycle and walking on the treadmill. He works out 5 times per week. Although Bill and his wife, Carolyn, began working out at home last summer, they recently decided to return to Presbyterian's Healthplex as their regular workout site. "We miss the camaraderie there and the benefit of trained medical staff," said Bill.

Bill's doctor, Dan Friedman, M.D. nominated Bill for National Cardiac Patient of the Year. Dr. Friedman, director of non-invasive services for Presbyterian Heart Center, heads up Presbyterian Heart Group's cardiac rehabilitation efforts. "Bill Hungate shows us how patients who adopt a healthy lifestyle can markedly improve their overall quality of life," said Friedman.

For more than 30 years, the Presbyterian Heart Center has been New Mexico's leader in heart care and the state's only full-service community heart center offering a full range of cardiac services. The Heart Center's comprehensive heart program includes air transport, adult and pediatric care, transplantation services, and cardiac rehabilitation through the Presbyterian Healthplex. For more information, patients may call Presbyterian Heart Group at 1-800-734-4278.

Founded in 1908, Presbyterian Healthcare Services is a community-based, New Mexico not-for-profit healthcare organization. More than 400,000 New Mexicans are served each year by Presbyterian facilities and programs. The organization owns, manages, or leases a statewide network of services including hospitals, outpatient centers, a health plan, and physician groups. Specialized programs include a nationally recognized heart care program, the state's only heart transplant program, a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and high-risk obstetrical services.