Sovah Patient Testimonial: Richard Cox

Sovah Health - Martinsville Cardiac Rehab helped Richard Cox regain his strength and confidence after a life-changing heart attack.

"I’ve been to the emergency department more times than I can count, and the last time I came in, it was because I was having a heart attack. It wasn’t my first one either—my first major heart attack happened on August 18, 2018, and it led to open-heart surgery. I’m usually a VA patient, but this time I chose Sovah Health – Martinsville Cardiac Rehab because it was closer to home and after talking with Dr. Bhogal, I’m grateful I did.

After my heart attack, I was sent to cardiac rehab, and that program changed everything for me. Before all this, I lived a pretty active life. I played a lot of golf, spent time fishing, and served on the rescue squad for 25 years. I was also an instructor with the Red Cross. After the heart attack, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get back to feeling like myself again.

Cardiac rehab helped me rebuild not just my strength, but my confidence. The team there taught me how to live a healthier lifestyle, and they supported me every step of the way. They didn’t just treat me like a patient—they treated me like family.

Today, I stay active as the Treasurer of the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard, and I make it a point to stop by the cardiac rehab center every few weeks with donuts for the staff. It’s my small way of saying thank you. They helped get me back to a healthier life, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Sovah Health - Martinsville Cardiac Rehab continues to help patients regain strength confidence, and quality of life after cardiac events.