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How expert heart care helped one Kentuckian keep going
Presented by UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute
Stanley “Shorty” Carson is back to the work he loves thanks to expert heart care. | Photos provided by Gill Heart & Vascular Institute
At 69, Stanley “Shorty” Carson is still climbing into heavy equipment, hauling machines onto trailers, and doing the kind of work that defined his life long before retirement.
Heart disease ran in Shorty’s family. His father died of a heart attack at 56, and as Shorty and his four brothers reached that same age, they all felt the weight of it.
In 2024, Shorty’s health took a turn. He became constantly fatigued and swollen as symptoms of congestive heart failure began.
“I was basically drowning in my own fluid,” he said.
That’s when a friend encouraged Shorty to seek care at UK HealthCare’s Gill Heart & Vascular Institute. Though he’d never been treated at a large academic medical center, Shorty decided it was time.
At Gill, heart failure cardiologist Dr. Navin Rajagopalan and his team reassessed Shorty’s treatment and stayed in close contact as he progressed.
When medication alone wasn’t enough, Shorty was admitted to UK’s Albert B. Chandler Hospital with the help of registered nurse Stacy Ford.
While hospitalized, doctors removed more than 50 pounds of excess fluid and addressed an irregular heart rhythm that was making his heart failure worse.
Since the procedure, Shorty has had “good days and bad days” — but the good ones are winning.
Those walks to his pickup are easier. The work he loves is still part of his life. And his team at UK HealthCare is committed to helping him continue doing the things that bring him joy.
“Fortunately, good people done good things,” Shorty said. “I feel like they’ve put me back where I can finish up what I want to do in life.”
Which heart-healthy habit are you committed to in 2026?
A. Walking or daily movement
B. Eating more whole foods
C. Tracking blood pressure or cholesterol
D. Scheduling regular checkups
E. Getting more sleep
F. Other
The University of Kentucky plans to purchase Coliseum Plaza, a longtime corner property near campus that includes restaurants and a liquor store, for about $3.9 million. The UK Board of Trustees is set to vote today on the proposal. Check back next week for a final decision. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Holiday
Leestown Coffee is offering takeaway jars of coffee in observance of Ramadan, giving customers something to enjoy after breaking their fast. Customers can choose any flavor, and each jar holds a 16-ounce iced coffee. Pro tip: There is a $1.25 upcharge for the jar, but it can be reused at no additional cost.
Edu
Speaking of coffee, if you want to put your java-making skills to the test, a professor at the University of Kentucky has created the first Coffee, Science and Culture certificate for UK undergraduate students. Discover the UK Coffee Lab roastery. (UKNow)
Plan Ahead
Veteran + spirits critic Fred Minnick will bring “Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life,” to Joseph Beth’s as part of the first leg of his national book tour tomorrow, Feb. 21. Learn more and shop the book.
Arts
Up for a short road trip? PNC Broadway In Louisville announced its stacked 2026 season, featuring six dazzling productions and a season add-on of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The lineup opens with “Jersey Boys” in October.
Pets
Today is National Love Your Pet Day, an excuse to show the furry friend in your life even more love than usual. Because they aren’t spoiled enough already. Make it a weekend to remember for your pup at one of Lexington’s dog-friendly businesses.
Play
🎲 Are you looking for our Games page? You can find it here. Thanks to all of our readers who let us know you’re enjoying this page — our team is continuing to work on even more ways to play in future.
Plan Ahead
Hosting an event? Spread the word to our thousands of engaged subscribers. Our business promo portal makes it easy to find options that fit your budget, from standout email headers to scroll-stopping banner ads. First-time customers get 15% with code NEW15 at checkout.
Featured Deal
Filed your taxes yet? E-file makes online tax filing simple, and cheaper — it’s typically about half the cost of other online tax programs, so you can file without the sticker shock. Use code GET25NOW for 25% off your federal software at checkout.*
Editor’s Pick
See you in Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics. | Photo via Pexels
Shocking upsets, personal confessions, and cheating accusations. Any guesses what we’re talking about? This year’s 2026 Winter Olympics has been full of controversy, and the theatrics aren’t over yet.
The Closing Ceremony takes place this Sunday, Feb. 22, and LEX 18 will be covering the spectacle. After that, if you’re going to miss the drama, here are a few on-stage productions we’ve got our eye on:
“Chicago” is headed to the Lexington Opera House, bringing its high-energy Jazz Age story of rival showgirls Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart.
Experience “Dirty Dancing in Concert,” where the classic film plays on the big screen with a live band performing every iconic song, followed by a dance-along encore.
Tickets for “THE SIXTIES SHOW” at the Lexington Opera House on Thursday, May 21 go on sale today, bringing an immersive live concert that captures the music, culture, and energy of the 1960s.
The Buy
A set of shower steamers with 11 unique scents like jasmine, chamomile, lavender, and mint. The variety lets you tailor the experience to your mood: a relaxing spa night, a midday pick-me-up, or an energizing morning reset. Bonus: They make great gifts.
Got a green thumb? This one’s for you. The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026 Last Frost Date Map, and it suggests Lexington gardeners may want to plant a little earlier than usual this year. Pro tip: Pick up some native plants at Michler’s Florist.
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