At an annual physical, Mike's doctor heard something he didn't like. A short time later, Mike was undergoing an operation to open up a blocked carotid artery. Mike and his cardiologist recount what happened and how key diagnostic imaging tests and quick action prevented him from having a debilitating stroke.

Tom was exercising when he felt "weird" and was quickly diagnosed at his cardiologist's office. Tom talks about the expedient cardiac diagnosis and treatment that saved his life so he could see his grand children.

Sally felt strange pain in her arm and told her daughter at her annual physical. Tests showed she had a blockage in her heart and needed cardiac catheterization. Sally and her cardiologist discussed her case and how crucial it is to pay attention to what your body is telling you.

Don was walking a dog when something didn't feel right. He and his cardiologist describe what happened next and how his case shows the importance of moving quickly once heart disease is discovered.

Lanee felt like she had suffered a heart attack with severe pain in her arm. Lanee and her daughter Anastasia discuss what happened next and the importance of the right cardiac diagnosis.

Sam had a sharp pain in his back. Getting to his doctor and quick cardiac care may have saved his life. Sam and his cardiologist talk about his case and what policymakers should consider.

The clock is ticking for tens of thousands of heart patients like these in rural America as a looming federal government decision could take away their access to quality cardiac care.