Elyse Congdon has always believed in staying active and independent. She exercised regularly, stayed engaged with her community, and prided herself on listening to her body. Last fall, her instincts — and quick action by her care team may have saved her life.
It started with what Elyse describes as “pressure, not pain.”
“I was working out at the YMCA when I noticed this heaviness in my chest that moved up into my neck,” Elyse recalls. “It became hard to breathe, and even walking short distances felt exhausting. I knew something wasn’t right.”
Encouraged by her sister, Elyse visited her Atrium Health primary care physician, Dr. Alyssa Kuprenas, who immediately recognized the warning signs and sent her to the emergency department.
“When a patient describes exertional chest pressure and shortness of breath, that’s not something we wait on,” says Kuprenas. “Elyse did exactly the right thing by calling, and that allowed us to move quickly.”
Although initial testing ruled out a heart attack in the emergency room, it was clear Elyse needed further evaluation. Within days, she was connected to the cardiology team at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute where a series of advanced tests began.
Fast Answers, Coordinated Care
Elyse underwent multiple diagnostic studies, including imaging, heart monitoring and an echocardiogram. Results pointed to coronary artery disease and heart failure — a diagnosis that felt overwhelming, but not entirely unexpected given her family history of heart disease. What surprised her most was the speed.
“Before I even left my primary care doctor’s office, they had a heart monitor on me,” Elyse says. “Appointments for additional tests were made — there was no delay.”
Dr. Kuprenas spoke with Elyse about committing to cardiac rehab once all the tests were in. She stressed the value of the program and getting her life back on track.
She was soon scheduled for a cardiac catheterization with Dr. Chad McRee, an interventional cardiologist at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute.
“Cardiac catheterization allows us to clearly see what’s happening inside the heart and arteries,” says McRee. “In Elyse’s case, it gave us critical information to guide her treatment and stabilize her condition.”
The procedure confirmed coronary artery disease and heart failure. While Elyse’s condition did not require immediate surgical intervention, it did require careful medical management — and a commitment to recovery.
When Everyday Tasks Become Hard
In the weeks between her initial episode and her eventual diagnosis, Elyse became aware of just how much her symptoms were affecting her daily life.
“Simple things like bending over, shopping or even walking short distances would leave me breathless,” she says.
She later learned those symptoms were caused by fluid buildup related to heart failure — something she recognized from caring for her parents years earlier.
“I knew what heart failure looked like,” she says. “But what I didn’t know was how much treatment has advanced — and how much support was available.”
A Barrier — and an Unexpected Gift
As part of her recovery plan, Elyse was referred to cardiac rehabilitation at Atrium Health Cabarrus — a medically supervised program that combines monitored exercise, education and support to help patients rebuild strength and confidence.
Then came an unexpected setback.
Despite having Medicare and supplemental insurance, Elyse was surprised to learn that cardiac rehab wasn’t covered under her plan at that time based on insurance eligibility criteria.
“I was standing at the desk during my cardiac rehab appointment in shock,” she says. “There was no way I was going to skip rehab. I plan to live another 20 years — and live them well.”
Before she could even respond, Elyse learned Atrium Health could provide a patient scholarship, made possible through the generosity of donors so she could participate.
“I was absolutely flabbergasted,” Elyse says. “I didn’t expect it. I’ll never forget that moment.”
Dr. McRee says cardiac rehab is one of the most important steps in recovery for patients like Elyse.
“Cardiac rehab isn’t optional — it’s essential,” he says. “It helps patients safely regain strength, reduce future risk and take control of their heart health. Removing barriers to that care can change lives.”
Moving Forward — and Giving Back
Today, Elyse is actively participating in cardiac rehab and following her care plan closely. She credits the program with restoring not just her physical strength, but her confidence.
“I feel empowered again,” she says. “I know what I need to do, and I know I’m not doing it alone.”
That sense of gratitude is why Elyse chose to share her story as the featured patient for the Cupid’s Cup, Atrium Health’s annual 5K benefiting cardiac rehabilitation programs and patient scholarships. Scholarships are available thanks to the support of generous donors at Atrium Health Foundation.
“If sharing my experience helps one person recognize symptoms earlier, or helps another patient get access to rehab, then it’s worth it,” she says.
For Elyse, Cupid’s Cup is about more than a walk — it’s about celebrating life, compassion and the care that made her recovery possible.
“I listened to my body,” she says. “Atrium Health listened to me. That made all the difference.”
