When Valarie Modeste started feeling a flutter in her chest, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The symptoms brought anxiety, sleepless nights and a growing uncertainty. The McDonough resident had never experienced heart problems before, and not knowing the cause made it even more frightening.
After visiting her primary care physician, Valarie was referred to Dr. Marcus Brown, a cardiologist at Northside Hospital Heart Institute. What began as a precaution quickly became something more serious. Advanced testing revealed a 90% blockage in one of her coronary arteries — a diagnosis that could have had life-threatening consequences if left untreated.
In this video, Dr. Brown walks through the critical steps that led to Valarie's diagnosis and treatment, including specialized imaging and a minimally invasive cardiac catheterization procedure. Two stents were placed to restore blood flow to her heart. Just one night later, Valerie was on her way home and on the road to recovery.
Today, Valarie feels relief, confidence and gratitude. She shares how the expertise, compassion and clear communication from Dr. Brown and the care team helped her feel safe every step of the way. Her story is a powerful reminder that symptoms like chest discomfort, fluttering or unexplained anxiety should never be ignored, especially since heart disease can present differently in women.
If something doesn’t feel right, listen to your body. Early detection can save your life.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL HEART INSTITUTE.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
