Cleveland Clinic Canada almost messed up my wedding engagement. On the bright side, I’m still alive and really enjoying life with Lisa. 

I’ve always been an avid cyclist, so Lisa and I were really looking forward to going to Italy for a cycling tour of the Adriatic coast, followed by three days in Rome. I purchased a beautiful diamond ring; my plan was to propose to Lisa on the Spanish Steps. 

A few weeks before the trip, Dr. Najib1 told me: “You’re not going to Italy.” 

Earlier in the year, as a birthday gift to me, Lisa signed me up for Cleveland Clinic Canada’s Executive Health Program. When I had my evaluation with Dr. Wasser2, the results of my stress test were concerning. I had a more sophisticated test with Dr. Najib, then an angiogram. Sure enough, there was a small blockage in my left anterior descending artery. When blockage there causes a heart attack, they call it a “widowmaker” because  the chance of survival is slim. 

If this had gone unnoticed, I could have been pedaling across Italy. And I could have died. 

Mike Kessel3 referred me to Dr. Cohen4, who recommended proactive bypass surgery, especially if I wanted to keep cycling in the mountains. I had the operation in May. By July, I was back on my bike. 

Cleveland Clinic Canada saved my life, and Lisa saved my life by sending me there. I can’t tell you how thankful I am. 

 

With the change in plans, Cary Solomon proposed to Lisa at their favorite Italian restaurant in Toronto a few days before his surgery. They’ve been happily married since 2019. 

Lisa and Cary Solomon smiling for a photo at the Spanish Pyrenees

Lisa and Cary Solomon in the Spanish Pyrenees. | Photo: Courtesy of Cary Solomon

Notes

  1. Syed Samir Najib, MD, is a cardiologist.
  2. Edward Wasser, MD, CCFP, DAAPM, DCAPM, is an executive health physician.
  3. CEO of Cleveland Clinic Canada.
  4. Cardiovascular surgeon Gideon Cohen, MD, PhD, did a fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.