If you look at him, Kent Schnakenberg, an executive at Navrats Office Products for decades and the face of Team Schnak Strong for 10 years, may well be the picture of health — especially for somebody approaching age 70. But he found otherwise back in August.
Following a visit with his personal physician, Dr Ryan LaSota, Schnakenberg had scheduled a stress test at Newman Regional Health’s Cardiology Department last summer after feeling short of breath while climbing stairs or while on his bike.
It turned out three blood vessels were nearly completely blocked. Getting that diagnosis was scary, but Schnakenberg says he felt comfortable with the cardiology team and the work it did to get him to and through surgery later that day.
Schnakenberg relayed his experience on KVOE’s Morning Show on Thursday. He was joined by Newman Regional Health physician assistant Krista Ohmie, who says Schnakenberg was in atrial fibrillation, or A-FIB.
Schnakenberg says his physical health was “OK” going into last year with no major health issues, but his family has had heart-related health issues. After a smooth surgery and his release the following day, Schnakenberg also says he enjoyed his time going through the hospital’s Cardiac Rehab program, in part because he could prove his health to himself and in part because he knew a lot of area residents who were also enrolled.
Schnakenberg fully plans to continue his Team Schnak mission of raising funds and awareness to treat Type 1 diabetes.
A-FIB symptoms vary from shortness of breath, a fluttering feeling, a rapid heartbeat or lightheadedness to no symptoms at all. Residents with symptoms can reach out to their local physicians or call 911.
