Heart Patient Reflects on Quality of Care Received at Beebe
Patient Chris White shares perspective following recovery from lifesaving procedure.
Good heart health is something Chris White will never take for granted again. During the summer months of 2025, after a cardiac ablation, he started experiencing chest pain, extreme fatigue, and difficulty laying down flat on his back. Chris was diagnosed with Post Cardiac Injury Syndrome (PCIS). It’s a rare condition caused by inflammation, and can cause intense and life-threatening fluid build-up in the chest.
“Shorty after I was diagnosed, I had an echocardiogram and it showed a lot of fluid around my heart,” recalls Chris. “I underwent a procedure to have it drained and figured that would be the end of it. I was wrong.”
About a month later, as Chris was preparing to head out on his boat for Fourth of July festivities, he knew something was off. He was having pain in his neck and shoulders, he was fatigued and short of breath, and had lost his appetite. The next day, with no relief from his concerning symptoms and at the urging of his wife, Marsha, Chris decided a trip to Beebe’s Emergency Department was necessary.
“A team of cardiologists and pulmonologists were working together to assess my situation and performed another echocardiogram,” said Chris. “That test result came back and showed the fluid build-up was back, and this time it had caused a collapse in part of my heart. I needed surgery, urgently. And I was scared.”
Despite that fear, Chris also felt confident he was in the right place for the very best, highest quality heart care. Beebe’s Cardiovascular Institute delivers comprehensive, evidence-based care provided by a multidisciplinary team of board-certified heart surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and electrophysiologists. The Institute promises a integrated, holistic approach to cardiovascular care, giving patients access to the innovative technologies, the latest and most advanced treatment options, and programs to support patients every step of the way as they are diagnosed, undergoing treatment, and recovering.
In collaboration with his cardiologist, Ramon Rosa, MD, and interventional cardiologist Mouhanad Freih, MD, Chris underwent a sophisticated surgical procedure to repair the damage that had been done to his heart. His surgery was led by cardiothoracic surgeon Marisa Amaral, MD, and supported by a team of care providers who provided the highest quality clinical care while also making Chris feel comfortable and confident.
“Everyone was so kind and personable,” said Chris. “I had a lot of conversations with the doctors and nurses about life; where we are all from and what our hobbies and passions are. I felt like the people taking care of me really wanted to know me, as a person, and they also were willing to share a lot about themselves. I was in the Intensive Care Unit for over a week and I had a lot of tough days, but the people around me made it such a positive experience.”
Education was another key component as Chris gradually recovered in the hospital. He met regularly with a cardiac nurse specialist who was able to answer all of his questions and offered valuable perspectives. A nutritionist spent quite a bit of time with him, guiding him through the process of meal planning and identifying foods that he would enjoy while also remaining heart healthy in his choices. Chris was able take the knowledge he gained in the hospital and apply it at home, once he was discharged.
“Once I got settled at home, I sent an email to the president of the hospital because I wanted him to know how good my experience was and that the cardiac care team at Beebe is top notch,” said Chris. “I also nominated multiple nurses for Daisy Awards because they deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to helping patients like me.”
Today, Chris is fully recovered, feeling good, and living life to the fullest. He and Marsha enjoy spending time with their large group of friends and family members who live locally, and are especially grateful for those who gave valued support in his time of need.
Chris also enjoys being active in the community and devotes time to supporting local organizations that are important to him. He is on the Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Rotary Club Board of Directors, is a board member for the Sussex Family YMCA in Rehoboth Beach, and also volunteers on the Rehoboth Beach/Lewes Police Advisory Committee. Additionally, Chris is a volunteer umpire for Lewes Little League.
“We have all heard about people’s experiences in hospitals; some are good and others are not, but I want people to know about the good work that is happening in our hospital,” said Chris. “I want others to know about my experience, and that the team at Beebe saved my life. This is a hospital you can trust.”
Visit the Cardiovascular Institute page to learn more about cardiac care at Beebe.
