Routine Checkup Helps Northwest Arkansas Retiree Avoid Heart Attack

2/12/2026

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – What began as a routine primary care visit became a life-saving moment for James Jolly, a recent retiree to Northwest Arkansas. After discussing his family history of heart disease, Jolly was referred for a coronary calcium scan, a test that led to early treatment and helped him avoid a major heart attack.

“The scale they use goes from 0 to 700,” Jolly said. “Mine came back at 559.”

Based on the elevated calcium score, Jolly was referred to cardiologist Dr. Pahul Singh at Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville for further testing, including a stress test. The results revealed a significant blockage in Jolly’s right coronary artery.

Doctors placed a stent to open the blocked artery, and Jolly began his first round of cardiac rehabilitation at Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville. By identifying the issue early, Jolly was able to prevent what could have been a major heart attack.

Eighteen months later, continuous monitoring again proved critical. During a follow-up visit with Dr. Singh, Jolly completed another stress test that revealed a 90% blockage in the left anterior descending artery, often called the “widowmaker.”

He underwent open-heart surgery and a four-way bypass shortly afterward and began a second round of cardiac rehabilitation.

“I never was an exercise person. I was just always on the go and never felt like I needed to exercise,” he said. “Cardiac rehab has changed my outlook on it. I still try to get a 20- to 30-minute walk every day, or every other day.”

Kimberly Johnston, supervisor of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, said structured movement is essential for heart health and that patients underestimate the difference between activity and exercise.

“Busy doesn’t count,” Johnston said. “It’s important to dedicate 30 minutes of exercise a day to get your heart rate up.”

Beyond physical activity, Jolly said education played a major role in improving his long-term health.

“The education I got during cardiac rehab was good,” he said. “You know, if I hadn't done that, I probably wouldn’t have made any adjustments in my daily life.”

Today, Jolly follows up with Dr. Singh’s office every six months and expects to complete additional stress testing in the coming years to monitor his heart health.

“There’s nothing you can do about your genetics, but you can sure slow down the process, and that’s what Dr. Singh is doing,” Jolly said. “Just keeping everything managed and in check — that’s the goal.”

Johnston said cardiac rehab orders are automatically generated for patients following a cardiac event or heart surgery, with staff following up to schedule services.

“The first session of cardiac rehab serves as a guide to ensure patients are well informed and have a safe place to focus on their heart care,” Johnston said.

Patients typically attend cardiac rehabilitation three times a week for four to six weeks. The ultimate goal, Johnston said, is to empower patients to manage their own exercise routines and heart health independently.

Johnston said preventive heart care includes a heart-healthy diet, at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, managing cholesterol and blood pressure and controlling existing health conditions.

Understanding family history is also key. People whose parents developed heart disease before age 65 are at higher risk.

“It takes time to change habits,” Johnston said. “If you try to change it all at once, it’s not going to happen.”

Looking back, Jolly said he wished he had understood the importance of genetics sooner.

“I wish I’d known how important genetics were early on,” he said. “I probably would’ve switched doctors in Texas before I moved up here and would’ve been managing my cholesterol and getting enough exercise.”

Jolly said he hopes his experience encourages others to take their heart health seriously.

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