LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Valentine's Day is all about following your heart's desire, but it's also a good time to think about your heart health.
Kentucky has one of the highest rates of heart disease in the country, and a Louisville couple is living proof of how to find your rhythm while dealing with heart disease.
It was love at first sight when Dickie and Jeanne Rogers met at a dance in 1996.
"Nine months later, we were married," beamed Jeanne.
After 28 years, their love is just as strong as the day they met, but their hearts aren't quite as healthy.
Dickie and Jeanne Rogers of Louisville, Ky. have been married 28 years. (Image courtesy of the Rogers family)
In 2020, Jeanne was diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease. Her blood vessels became smaller, which limited blood flow to her left foot.
"I stood up. This leg was completely numb, and I did not know it," Jeanne remembered. "I dropped my favorite coffee cup on the concrete and ended up breaking my ankle and my foot."
In December 2023, Dickie had two heart attacks on their farm.
"Then I had another heart attack in the doctor's office," he said.
Jeanne said it was frightening. "I really was scared to death."
All three of Dickie's heart attacks happened within a week. Dr. Amir Piracha with UofL Health said it's common for both spouses to have heart disease.
"The top three cancers can't even come close to the amount of people that this affects," Piracha said.
Like many men, Dickie had the traditional heart attack symptoms. "My chest would start hurting," he said. 'My neck and jaw aching."
Doctor Piracha said heart attacks can just feel like nausea for women.
Dickie stopped working nearly 4 years ago, which he said got his heart health out of rhythm. Jeanne said he just wasn't as active. "He kind of retired to the La-Z-Boy."
But after the heart attacks, Jeanne made sure her beloved husband is following his doctor's orders with daily exercise.
"I listen to her a little bit more," Dickie joked. "Eh, just a little bit," Jeanne said.
They're two healing hearts with one unbreakable love.
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