Chris Moncus Photography
Ray Miller
An active lifestyle and timely cardiology care helped Ray Miller beat the odds.
Heart problems can strike at inopportune times even in the most unlikely individuals. That’s what happened to Ray Miller in November 2022. “I got dizzy and almost passed out while biking,” he recalls. “I used my bike as a crutch to get back to my car, which was parked a half mile away, then called my daughter.”
Ray Miller and cardiologist Mitchell Jones, MD at the 2024 Bridge Run
A lifelong runner, Mr. Miller’s resting heart rate was always low; by the time he arrived at Southeast Georgia Health System, it had plummeted to the low 20’s. Based on his symptoms and family history of heart disease, cardiologist Mitchell Jones, MD, recommended a pacemaker. Dr. Jones practices at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Cardiology and serves on the Health System’s medical staff. Mr. Miller spent one night in the hospital after his pacemaker implant. “The staff were knowledgeable and answered my questions. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
All went well until a month later. “I had a burning sensation in my chest while walking,” Mr. Miller says. After performing a heart catheterization, Dr. Jones referred his patient for bypass surgery with Raymond Lee, MD, a thoracic surgeon in Jacksonville, Florida.
Despite his health setbacks, Mr. Miller never gave up hope of running again. In February 2023, he successfully completed the Bridge Run, an annual event hosted by the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation. “Every time I drove over the Sidney Lanier Bridge, I told myself I’d do the run. Dr. Jones said had I not been an athlete, I might have had a different outcome. My parents died in their early 50’s from heart disease so I’ve made physical exercise a priority in my life.”
Running gave Ray Miller a hedge against heart disease, as did his cardiologist. “Dr. Jones always acts like I’m the only person in the room. He’s very thorough. I never leave his office wondering what’s going on.” Dr. Jones gained even more credibility when his patient saw him at the Bridge Run finish line. Mr. Miller encourages others to follow their example. “Get out and take advantage of our bike and running paths.” If you do, you might see Ray Miller, outrunning his family history of heart disease.
For more information about the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation Bridge Run, visit sghs.org/bridgerun. To learn about Bridge Run sponsorship, vendor or volunteer opportunities, call 912.466.3360.
By Southeast Georgia Health System
