At 85, retired pharmacist Larry Guggino isn’t slowing down. He’s still hitting the gym, keeping up with his grandchildren and enjoying life with his wife of 64 years, Patty.
“All three of our kids live close by and five of the seven grandkids are nearby too,” he said. “We are expecting our first great-grandchild in November. We’re very fortunate.”
But life hasn’t been without its challenges. Heart disease runs in the family—his father died of coronary artery disease at 47. That history weighed heavily on him. “I always feared I wouldn’t live past 47,” he said. “But I made it to 66 before I had my first heart surgery.”
History of heart ailments
That first surgery was a triple bypass. A second surgery was performed to repair the bypass. Then came a pacemaker, which unfortunately became infected. After a series of frustrating experiences with rotating doctors and inconsistent care, he and Patty made a change.
Guggino’s primary care physician recommended that they contact the physicians at Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center. He was matched with Eddie Brown, DO, a general non-invasive cardiologist, and cardiologist Michael Adjei-Poku, MD. “We switched insurance and got into Lovelace,” he said. “That’s when I met Dr. Brown and Dr. Poku. I didn’t know them at all, but they’ve been incredible.”
He now sees Dr. Brown every four to six months and Dr. Poku as needed, usually twice a year. The consistency and attentiveness of their care made all the difference to Guggino.
“They give me undivided attention,” he said. “They answer every question—no matter how dumb I think it is—and they always let my wife or daughter come in with me. I feel safe and secure with them.”
That sense of security is backed by action. When his pacemaker battery began to run low, the team acted quickly. Dr. Poku replaced it in March 2024. “I’ve had the pacemaker for about seven years now,” he said. “And it’s been 17 years since my open-heart surgery.”
Despite his heart history, he’s always been active. Before his first surgery, he was a regular at the gym—elliptical workouts three times a week and light weights on the other days. “I was doing an hour a day on the elliptical and 40 minutes of weights,” he said. “Even the day before I saw the cardiologist.”
Regular workouts
These days, he still works out three or more times a week, though he’s had to adjust his schedule due to other non-cardiac issues. “I can’t do cardio like I used to, but I still do light weights and lots of reps,” he said. “I get about 150 to 200 minutes a week.”
He credits his doctors not just for their medical expertise, but for encouraging him to stay active and involved in his own care. “They’ve tweaked my medications, adjusted the pacemaker and really stayed on top of things,” he said. “I’ve recommended them to friends and they’ve had great experiences too.”
One longtime friend recently saw Dr. Poku for a heart murmur and was impressed by the prompt and gracious care. His wife, Patty, also receives care through Lovelace’s cardiac practice. “We’re just really pleased with the care we get there,” he said.
Outside of doctor visits and gym sessions, he and Patty enjoy reading and attending history meetings. Patty, a historian, has even produced a few videos. “We’re not as active as we used to be, but we still do a lot of reading and spend time with our family,” he said.
Travel has also been part of their story. For their 50th anniversary, they rented a villa in Sicily with the whole family. Five years ago, they took a Viking River cruise through Paris with their family, one of his brothers and his wife.
As for what’s next, he’s due for an echocardiogram in July, but he’s not worried. “I feel confident,” he said. “They’re on top of it.”
At 85, Guggino is living proof that with the right care, a strong support system, and a little time in the gym, it’s possible to thrive — even with a history of heart ailments.
To find a cardiac provider and schedule an appointment at Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, visit our website, book online through MyChart, or call (505) 841-1000.