HEART STRONG: HOW HAIK KIVORKIAN GOT BACK TO LIVING LIFE
At 67, Haik Kivorkian is enjoying life—he takes walks, plays poker with friends, and follows a heart-healthy routine that includes eating lean meals and drinking beet juice with apple. But nearly three decades ago, his journey with heart disease began with a life-changing emergency.
“I was 39 when I had a heart attack—it felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest,” Haik recalls. He was taken to PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, where he met interventional cardiologist Guy Mayeda MD. “When Haik first came to us, he had already survived a major cardiac event,” says Dr. Mayeda. “Our goal was to stabilize his condition and preserve his heart function so he could live the fullest life possible.”
Haik was diagnosed with ischemic cardiomyopathy, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It can be managed through medications, lifestyle changes, and procedures like stenting to restore blood flow and reduce the risk of further damage. Despite treatment, Haik’s condition eventually progressed to congestive heart failure (CHF)—when the heart can’t pump blood as effectively as it should. “My leg was swollen, and my heart just wasn’t working the way it should,” he says.
To help manage his condition, Dr. Mayeda referred Haik to heart failure specialist Joseph Rahman MD.
“CHF can cause symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling,” says Dr. Rahman. “But with the right combination of therapies, many patients continue to lead active lives.”
One of those therapies for Haik was Bi-Ventricular (Bi-V) pacing, a specialized pacemaker recommended by electrophysiologist Ravi Sureddi MD. “Bi-V pacing helps both sides of the heart beat in sync,” explains Dr. Sureddi. “It’s especially effective for patients with weakened heart function.”
In 2024, Haik also received a coronary stent to improve blood flow. “He’s made excellent progress,” says Dr. Mayeda. “He takes his health seriously, and it’s made a real difference.”
Today, Haik credits his care team for keeping him going. “My doctors really listen. I’m not just a number. And the staff always treats me with respect.”
For more information on heart services, visit PIHHealth.org/HeartCare
