Checkup finds big problem

During his annual physical with JB Golden, CRNP at the Flomaton Medical Center, Brewton resident Steve Layton's results showed he had elevated blood pressure. After consulting with his provider, further tests and a visit to the cardiologist were scheduled. In the end, an intervention for a blocked artery was necessary. Doctors discovered Steve's heart had a 95 percent blockage.

"My cardiologist basically told me I was a ticking time bomb," said Layton. "The lab results showed that my calcium score was 399 and it should have been zero."

According to Layton, he went to see his family cardiologist since his father had experienced similar issues years ago. After some discussion, a nuclear stress test was ordered and the issue was found. A heart catheter was scheduled and completed. That's when the cardiologist found the blockage. The really good news is, this condition was discovered before any heart damage had occurred.

"My doctor told me that the calcium scores indicated I was due to have a stroke or heart attack within a few years," stated Layton. "I went from playing tennis one moment to getting a stint put into my heart a few weeks later."

Layton says he very much enjoys the outdoors, sports and other activities. Playing tennis against kids half his age is part of the reason that his condition did not present itself sooner. Layton was playing tennis two days a week and walking 4 miles three days a week prior to the incident. Despite popular belief, you cannot run from your families' genetic history.

These days, Layton can again be found on the tennis courts, on the water or in the woods, with a positive medical outlook thanks to the fact he had his yearly physical. What does he suggest for the rest of the public?

"There was nothing to indicate that I had such a serious condition, except JB Golden's concern with my upward blood pressure," Layton said. "There was no chest pain, no shortness of breath, and no arm aches, for a potential heart attack. This was all averted due to an annual physical with my primary provider. I'm blessed that he asked questions that required me to take action."