Pauline is Line Dancing Again — Thanks to Virtual Cardiac Rehab!

For Pauline Deloatch, four-hour round trips are just part of the journey to care she trusts. She regularly drives from her North Carolina home to WakeMed physician practices for all her medical appointments. 

Never in need of emergent, critical care, she'd not considered what would happen if she required multi-week, ongoing medical care, and travel to WakeMed was simply too much. 

Amazingly, her story highlights WakeMed's commitment to continuity of care — whether near and far.

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Pauline's medical crisis didn't start with sirens or a scary trip to the emergency department. It began one summer morning when Pauline went on a leisurely walk with her son — never expecting it would turn into the beginning of a life-changing emergency. 

"I started feeling nauseous. We stopped walking, and the feeling subsided. The following week, when I attempted another short walk, the nausea returned. This was odd because previously I'd been walking a mile or two at my nearby wellness center — with no issues. These sudden struggles during brief walks were unusual."

Surprise! Surprise! It was a Cardiac Issue.

Pauline scheduled an appointment with WakeMed cardiologist Padma Hari, MD, FACC, FASE, since she'd not seen her in quite a while. Pauline assumed she had an esophageal issue, but she decided on a heart checkup — just to be safe. 

"The last time I saw Dr. Hari, she told me that if I ever needed her, I should not hesitate to schedule an appointment. I knew she'd be willing to see me and do so right away."

Dr. Hari performed an electrocardiogram (EKG) that returned concerning results, so she ordered an echocardiogram and computed tomography (CT) scan. To Pauline's surprise, Dr. Hari discovered a heart issue, and she referred Pauline for closer evaluation.  

"I'm so blessed that despite no chest pain, no breathlessness nor any profuse sweating, Dr. Hari took my concerns seriously and investigated until she found my issue. I'm blessed to be alive."

In August 2025, Pauline went to the WakeMed Heart Center for a cardiac catheterization with interventional cardiologist Siva Ketha, MD, FACC. He and the team discovered a 100 percent blockage in Pauline's right coronary artery. They collaborated to restore blood flow using stents.

"Dr. Ketha explained that I'd grown new arteries, which was a very uncommon occurrence. Yet, I was aware that my dad who'd had heart trouble, also grew new arteries that delayed his onset of cardiac symptoms and need for surgery. Dr. Ketha said these new arteries possibly prevented me from having a massive heart attack."

The morning following her stenting procedure, Pauline was well enough to be discharged with medications. She also received a referral to WakeMed's cardiac rehab program with approval for 72 sessions. 

An Introduction to Virtual Cardiac Rehab: Innovative Care that Puts Patients First

With a reputation for looking out for the patient's best interest, the cardiac rehab team realized that Pauline — in her weakened state — would have a hard time driving three days per week for in-person rehab. They offered her virtual cardiac rehab. No commute meant no stress on her recovering heart. 

Pauline was soon engaged in a simple routine — wake up, log on and get stronger — from the comfort of her home. The program included nutrition classes and cooking demonstrations with a dietitian, tailored exercise classes as well as cardiac health and physician-led classes.

"I met with Becky on Mondays. We'd do light yoga, review proper nutrition and discuss how I was feeling. She'd send me the slides of what we discussed, so I could retain the information. That was so helpful, especially the food prep ideas. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I met with Emma. I called her the drill sergeant because she put me through extensive exercises. She sent me a blood pressure cuff as well as three workout bands. I also used light dumbbells during the program. Virtual cardiac rehab was very enjoyable. These two ladies became my friends." 

Pauline's Continued Progress Today

On January 9, 2026, Pauline was the very first graduate of WakeMed's virtual cardiac rehab program. She has remained active since. 

"I regularly go to the wellness center, where I participate in all kinds of activities — stretching, walking on the track, light strength training and dancing. One of my favorite activities is line dancing. I'm so glad to be active again. WakeMed saved my life and made it easy for me to get strong and healthy again."

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About WakeMed Cardiac Rehab

At WakeMed, cardiac rehab isn’t just about recovery – it’s about rediscovering confidence, gaining strength and knowledge to live a heart-healthy life. Our program is tailored for those recovering from cardiac events such as a heart attack, heart surgery (including bypass or valve repair/replacement), angioplasty or stent placement, heart failure or stable angina. Whether you join us in person or virtually, our expert team guides every step of your journey.

About WakeMed Heart & Vascular

WakeMed Heart & Vascular physicians bring together expert cardiologists along with cardiovascular, thoracic and vascular surgeons who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of cardiovascular care in Raleigh, Apex, Benson, Cary, Dunn, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Morrisville, Wake Forest and Clayton, N.C. For decades, these physicians have chosen to bring their talent and expertise to WakeMed for its reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care and commitment to providing the most exceptional patient experience.

About WakeMed Heart Center

When it comes to matters of the heart, there's nothing like experience. Wake County's first open heart surgery was performed at WakeMed in 1968, and we continue to be a leader in innovative cardiovascular care delivered by highly trained, board-certified physicians and staff who take a team approach to patient care. At WakeMed, patients always come first. Whether it's having a cardiac intervention team ready and waiting for you in a time of emergency, managing your high cholesterol or high blood pressure levels or helping you regain strength with our dedicated cardiac rehab program, WakeMed’s Heart & Vascular services, physicians and staff are here for you.