In the fall of 2024, 51-year-old Chris Braico was experiencing acid reflux. He occasionally had tightness in his chest and shortness of breath and thought it might be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). His doctor, Holy Name internal medicine chief Dr. Mina Shaker, had a different theory: It was cardiac-related. Chris couldn't believe it.
"[I] eat healthy, always maintain a good weight, and exercise,” Chris said. “There was no way I thought it was going to be my heart."
Dr. Shaker gave Chris an electrocardiogram (EKG) in the office and didn't like what he saw, so he referred Chris to cardiologist Dr. Joseph Daibes. Dr. Daibes ordered a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scan for Chris. Holy Name is one of only two hospitals in New Jersey that uses this advanced scan for cardiac imaging.
In contrast to a typical angiogram to monitor blood flow, which uses X-rays and requires the patient to have a catheter in their artery, a CCTA scan uses photon-counting imagery to give doctors a clearer view of a patient's heart, without the need for a catheter. During this less invasive procedure, patients are injected with a nontoxic dye that makes it easier to see plaque buildup or any narrowing of arteries. They also require a lower dose of radiation.
During Chris's CCTA, the tech showed him the 3D imaging and “pointed out how clogged [his] heart was.” Chris was diagnosed with multi-vessel coronary disease and learned he would need quadruple bypass surgery.
"I was upset when I got the news,” Chris said, “but [the doctor was] very comforting and explain[ed] the whole scenario, not just to me, but to my wife, too."
He had the surgery at a different hospital on Nov. 28 and shortly thereafter stopped experiencing shortness of breath and chest tightness. The incision took some time to heal, but Chris was back at work on Jan. 2.
Chris now understands the importance of knowing his cholesterol levels, and he is grateful for the kindness and honesty of all of the staff members he interacted with at Holy Name.
