A Picture-Perfect Outlook

By Tammy White

Any parent with a child in Florence 1 Schools is familiar with the name Steve Camlin. A retired teacher of 28 years, and a current photographer of school activities, Steve is a well-known figure on game sidelines. 

In March 2024, Steve was at a visit with his McLeod Primary Care Physician Dr. Donald Behling. Having lost his father to heart disease at the young age of 59, Steve, who was now close to celebrating his own 59th birthday, brought his concerns of family history to Dr. Behling, who recommended Steve for a Coronary Calcium Scoring test. 

Coronary Calcium Scoring is a non-invasive method of determining the presence of coronary artery disease in someone without symptoms, but who is at an increased risk for coronary artery disease. It is a quick, painless, non-invasive screening performed with a multi-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner that determines the degree and severity of hard plaque within the coronary arteries. Calcium scores are reported based upon the amount of calcium build-up around the heart. 

The results of Steve’s Coronary Calcium Scoring warranted a referral to McLeod Cardiologist Dr. Brian Blaker. After meeting with Dr. Blaker, it was decided the next best course of action was a heart catheterization. 

“After the heart catheterization, when Dr. Blaker told our family that my dad had five to seven heart blockages, which was too many for him to stent, our hearts dropped,” said Kiersten Camlin, Steve’s daughter, and a Registered Nurse in the McLeod Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). “He said dad was going to need open-heart surgery.”

McLeod Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Cary Huber was brought in to meet the family. “When Dr. Huber walked into the room, I could tell by the look on Kiersten’s face she was pleased to see him,” said Steve. 

“She was familiar with his work and knew he was one of the best. We discussed the timing of the surgery with Dr. Huber. My wife Dina and I had a 21-day vacation to Europe planned in August, so Dr. Huber recommended we not delay to ensure I would be fully recovered for our trip.”

Steve’s surgery was scheduled for the following Monday.

“When I awoke in CVICU after surgery and saw my wife and daughter, I knew I was going to be okay,” said Steve. “As an experienced cardiac nurse, Kiersten knew what I would face on my road to recovery, and it felt good having her and Dina, who is also a nurse, by my side.”

After recovering from his surgery, Steve participated in Cardiac Rehabilitation at the McLeod Health & Fitness Center.

“I was surprised at the results of my Coronary Calcium Scoring,” said Steve. “Dina and I exercise five times a week and eat a heart healthy diet. Dr. Blaker and Dr. Huber both said I was fortunate. By getting tested and discovering the blockages, my heart care was considered proactive instead of reactive, which was healthier for my heart. If I had a heart attack, that could have caused permanent damage to my heart.”

After this experience Steve is now an advocate for Coronary Calcium Scoring. 

He convinced one of his brothers to take the test, and his results were favorable. He also convinced a friend to be tested. A heart blockage was discovered that has since been repaired, saving him from what could have been a potential heart attack. 

“If you are at risk for heart disease, talk to your doctor,” said Steve. “The test only takes ten minutes and really gives you peace of mind.”

Candidates for Coronary Calcium Scoring are men and women over the age of 40, with at least one additional risk factor for heart disease.

“Leading a healthy lifestyle certainly led to a smoother and quicker recovery,” said Steve. “Dina and I went on our European vacation, which included a lot of walking, and I had no issues. 

“This has given me a whole new outlook on life. I would like to thank Dr. Behling, Dr. Blaker, Dr. Huber and the nurses in CVICU for all their wonderful care.”

 McLeod offers the Coronary Calcium Score Screening at a low cost of $150 regardless of health insurance status. Any recommended follow-up care is the patient’s responsibility. 

A physician referral is required. 

Coronary Calcium Screenings are available at:

• McLeod Health Clarendon
• McLeod Regional Medical Center
• McLeod Health Dillon
• McLeod Health Carolina Forest
• McLeod Health Loris
• McLeod Health Seacoast