Issue link: https://tmcpulse.uberflip.com/i/1079661
t m c » p u l s e | f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 9 35 pulse and that is how it was missed by her medical doctor," Patel explained. Conser quickly became con- cerned and went to get help from another professor. As part of the curriculum at UTHealth School of Dentistry, dental students treat patients under the supervision of experienced clinical faculty. "I knew something was wrong," Conser said. "I could hear the pulse—it is a bit quicker than when you are feeling the wrist—but it just sounded weird. I set aside the blood pressure and took her pulse with my fingers. The first time I took it, her pulse was alternating between a slower and a faster beat and then again I was still uncertain and hoping I was making a mistake. I took it again and this time her heart was outright stopping for seconds at a time." The attending professor felt the same thing and immediately referred Pearson to a doctor. "I had no idea something was wrong," Pearson recalled. "I think it was maybe the second or the third time and he said I need to go get my professor, and I was a little nervous. I was in for a filling and his profes- sor said … 'You need to go straight to your doctor.'" Pearson was referred to a cardiologist at Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder known as sick sinus syndrome. According to the Heart Rhythm Society, sick sinus syn- drome is a group of symptoms that indicate the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinus node, is not working. "The cardiologist told me no driving and no stairs, but I live in a three-story house so I would just do them really fast," Pearson said. "He said sick sinus syndrome wouldn't kill me, but if I was driving down the highway and passed out … you don't have a warning, you're just out." Within a month of her visit with Conser, Pearson received a pacemaker and is feeling like herself again. "It is not just this case," Patel explained. "There are a lot of dis- eases that have oral manifestations that can be ignored because most medical doctors don't look in the mouth. That is why it is so important for our students to not only detect these diseases, but also to have the knowledge to treat or to refer the patient to the right health care provider to receive the appropriate treatment." Conser said taking the time to listen to his professor and patient saved the day. "I didn't have a special talent; all I did was listen to my professor," Conser said. "Anyone who felt Mrs. Pearson's pulse would have noticed something was wrong." From $250,000 Garden Homes • East of Main • Just South of 610 Near Stella Link and Willow Bend • Below market 100% financing with no PMI available • Featuring 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2-car garages • Gated community with low HOA fees close to the Medical Center • Ample green space for pets • OPEN HOUSES Thurs & Fri 3-5:30 PM, Sat & Sun, 11 AM- 5:30 PM C O N T E M P O R A R Y G A R D E N H O M E S C a l l G e o r g e B a l l a a t 8 3 2 - 4 5 5 - 6 4 1 1 c o n t e m p o r a r y g a r d e n h o m e s . c o m Why rent when you can own? Let us help. Struggling? We can be your partner in overcoming challenges such as depression or substance use. For more information call 832-720-6688 or visit westoakshospital.com. Serving the needs of children, adolescents and adults, West Oaks Hospital offers inpatient and outpatient treatment options. 6500 Hornwood | Houston, TX 77074 With limited exceptions, physicians are not employees or agents of this hospital. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 183440 Conser takes Pearson's blood pressure.