Epworth patient Michael Catlow has had a variety of special interests in his lifetime, from water skiing with family to winemaking. Now he has added cardiac health to the list.
Following two major heart procedures and ongoing treatment at both Epworth Eastern in Box Hill and Epworth Richmond for an abnormal heart rhythm since 2013, Michael is a firm believer in immersing himself in every aspect of his own patient journey and empowering himself with knowledge.
“Your heart is the organ that runs everything – you can’t buy another one at the supermarket,” he said.
“It is important to embrace what has happened and immerse yourself. I enjoy having the tests, I enjoy knowing the results, I take my blood pressure once or twice a day, and I like to ask questions and collect information about my heart. I have taken it all onboard.
“Being so well-informed helped me deal with such a major event in my life.”
Michael recently completed the cardiac rehabilitation program at Epworth Camberwell for a second time, which is led by experienced cardiac nurse, Jo Kevill, and includes personalised exercise programs as well as evidence-based education.
“Through my cardiac rehabilitation I’ve learned about topics such as heart conditions and risk factors, diet and lifestyle, practical life skills, the physiology of what is happening to me, my loved ones and friends, and my various medications,” he said.
“I can’t stress how important the cardiac rehabilitation program has been for me. My rehab team explain things in ways I can understand and provide the opportunity to talk it through with them.”
‘A journey, but we got there’
In 2013, Michael was diagnosed with an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation and had open heart surgery at Epworth Eastern to repair his tricuspid and mitral valves, as well as an ablation to destroy the abnormal cells causing the arrhythmia.
After having “a good run” for around eight years following his surgery, Michael started experiencing episodes of atrial flutter (or palpitations) with persistent elevated high level heart rates, which were gradually becoming more persistent even after further ablations, direct current reversions and other treatment.
Working closely with his Epworth cardiologist and electrophysiologist A/Prof Michael Wong, Michael ultimately decided to have an Abbott AVEIR DR dual chamber leadless pacemaker system implanted in late 2025.
He was one of the first in Australia to receive the new technology, which features two small ‘bullet sized’ devices, one placed in each chamber of the heart, syncing together wirelessly using electrical impulses.
“While my problems were related to an elevated heart rate, the pacemaker is dealing with the bottom end, so my heart rate doesn’t drop too low and stop. We were keen to sort that out before starting me on medication to deal with my elevated heart rate,” Michael said.
Around the same time Michael’s GP had also detected thyroid elevation in his regular blood tests, which his specialists at Epworth Eastern quickly addressed with medication adjustments and several intensive rounds of treatment to control the overactive thyroid.
Today, months later, Michael is “living life normally again”, including being cleared to undertake modified exercise and to travel overseas. He is also continuing with his passion of winemaking, which has developed into a part-time viognier role since he retired from the corporate world.
Supported by an Epworth team
Michael said he was grateful for the support of all the Epworth doctors, nurses and allied health professionals across Epworth, working alongside his GP Dr Bernard Yong, throughout his journey. He said the coordinated and consistent care provided by his team, as he affectionately calls them, was impressive.
“I joke that at my age, just like you have a favourite plumber or electrician you rely on for your home, you need a great cardiologist and team of doctors you trust,” Michael said.
“I couldn’t be happier with the team I have at Epworth and I am so grateful for their support. The great strength is that I feel like I have a team on the journey with me.”
