A Heartfelt Testimony: Susan Sorrells on Discovering Exceptional Cardiac Care
September 17, 2025
"On July 3, 2025, I had an appointment at WakeMed Heart & Vascular – Brier Creek to discuss my hypercholesterolemia. I work hard to manage my condition since both my mother and father had high cholesterol and heart disease. Dr. Chelsea Ngongang was so kind and knowledgeable, explaining everything to me while also using it as a teaching moment. She did a thorough examination, including an electrocardiogram. She also collected my family history and reviewed all my tests. She then took that information and came up with a treatment plan.
"She is such a warm, caring person, and I have full confidence she knows cardiology and has given me the best course of treatment. It makes such a difference to see a doctor like this and know I've been heard and made to feel like the most important person in the world at that moment!
"I don't have serious cardiac issues, so some doctors can be dismissive about issues, such as mildly elevated cholesterol. Yet, Dr. Ngongang took me seriously and provided a well thought out plan to manage it going forward.
"Since my visit, I'm feeling great. I love being active in many ways: sports (pickleball), gardening, hiking and walking. I have some sleep issues and find that exercise helps with my sleep. I try to eat healthy, avoiding red meat, while preferring mostly chicken and fish. I also rarely eat fast food, mainly because it's no good. Now, with guidance from Dr. Ngongang, I know I'm doing all I can to manage my condition. Thank you, Dr. Ngongang!"
Curious about your genetic risk for heart disease? Learn how your DNA affects your health with PreciselyYou, a community health research program by WakeMed.
What is PreciselyYou?
Participants will learn about their genetic risk for a cause of heart disease (familial hypercholesterolemia) as well as certain cancers, for which actions can be taken to help prevent, delay or reduce symptoms. These insights can help you and your health care provider make more informed and proactive care decisions, for you and your family.
There is no cost to participate, and health insurance is not required. We plan to enroll 100,000 participants (age 18+) in this impactful program. The program helps you understand how your DNA impacts your health and aims to help improve access to more personalized health care, for you and your family, while supporting new research discoveries for our community.
Learn more at PreciselyYou.