A Valentine's Heart Emergency: Gregory Brown's Story
April 3, 2026
Categories: Heart & Vascular, Stories, Raleigh Campus, Physical Therapy
Tags: gastric bypass surgery
Cardiac emergencies don't always start with a dramatic, movie-style chest clutch. They can start quietly.
- A little tightness, here
- A little fatigue, there
- A little “I’ll deal with it later”
Cardiac blockages build in silence — gradually narrowing the arteries on the outside of the heart that supply oxygen, necessary for its pumping function. One day, blood flow is smooth. Over time, the flow is restricted. And in the most severe cases, it can lead to distress or cause the heart to suddenly stop. That’s what makes cardiac blockages so frightening: they don’t announce themselves with alarms or flashing lights.
Plague quietly builds up inside the arteries, turning everyday moments into hidden risk factors. Left unchecked, these blockages can lead to chest pain, heart attacks and life-threatening complications.
It could happen to you.
It happened to Gregory Brown. Read his story.
"I had shortness of breath and slight chest pain. I'd had the same symptoms days before that would come and go. On my wife's birthday, February 13, 2025, the day before Valentine's Day, I told her about my symptoms. She sped me right away to WakeMed Raleigh Campus."
Upon arriving to the emergency department, Gregory shared his symptoms and was taken immediately for a cardiac catheterization. Before long, he was surrounded by cardiologists and other specialists who informed him that he had three blockages. They admitted him to the hospital, and on February 17, he underwent triple bypass surgery, performed by WakeMed cardiovascular surgeon Trevor C. Upham, MD, FACS.
“With early diabetes, decreased heart function and blockages in all three of the main heart vessels, bypass surgery was the preferred choice over stents and medicine alone,” Dr. Upham elaborates.
Life-saving Surgery to the Rescue
During the surgery, Dr. Upham and the procedure team made a new path for blood to flow to Gregory's heart by bypassing blocked arteries, improving blood flow and reducing symptoms chest pain.
Gregory's surgery was a success. He remained in the hospital to recover for an additional week.
Reflecting on that tenuous time, Gregory tears up. "Having something wrong with my heart was life or death. I'm thankful for Dr. Upham and the team that saved my life."
A Chance to Regain Heart Strength
Months later, in May, Gregory joined WakeMed Cardiac Rehab at WakeMed Raleigh Campus to help regain his strength after surgery.
"They did an assessment to determine my goals and interests. When I started, I couldn't even do three laps around the small track. In time, I got progressively better."
He graduated from rehab in September, and today Gregory is, again, enjoying life with his wife at his side. He's incredibly grateful for the quality of care he received.
"Teresa Bowen and her entire cardiac rehab team gave me back my life. I'm thankful for everyone who helped me at WakeMed."
Teresa Bowen, supervisor for Cardiac Rehab at Raleigh Campus, honors his commitment to heart health.
"He continues with his heart-health journey in Safeway to Fitness, where he joins us three times a week and is also actively pursuing volunteer opportunities to assist other cardiac patients."
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 Raleigh Campus Emergency Department
As part of the Raymond L. Champ Centers for Emergency Medicine on our Raleigh Campus, the adult emergency department is available around the clock, 365 days a year to treat everything from minor cuts and broken arms to something more serious like stroke, a heart attack or major trauma.
The Adult Emergency Department on the WakeMed Raleigh Campus is home to Wake County's only Level I Trauma Center, as well as a nationally accredited Chest Pain and Primary Stroke Center. Raleigh Campus adult emergency department is one of the busiest emergency departments in the state.
About WakeMed Safeway to Fitness
WakeMed Safeway to Fitness is a supervised group exercise program for adults who would like a structured, safe exercise experience. Graduates of a cardiac rehab program, people recovering from certain procedures and adults who just appreciate the security of knowing that a health professional is present are great candidates for Safeway to Fitness.