People who know Brett Hildenbrand of Tupelo would describe him as “the picture of health.”

In addition to being a successful dentist and entrepreneur, Brett is a seasoned athlete. He co-owns Peak Fitness in Saltillo and is an avid basketball and tennis player. In fact, his basketball team recently qualified for the 2025 Senior Olympics.

“I exercise a ton,” Brett says. “I don’t have high cholesterol. I don’t eat bad. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. So, what happened kind of came as a shock to everybody.”

Brett was heading to Raleigh, North Carolina, to speak at a conference and for some reason – which he now attributes to divine intervention—he decided to drive 10 hours rather than fly.

“For two days, I felt weird, and my heart rate was staying at around 80+ beats per minute,” Brett says. “I played tennis with a buddy and experienced some burning in my chest – a little bit of tightness but not too bad. I quit and went to seek out my business partner, Kevin Rowan, who gave me some heartburn meds that calmed it down.”

The day of Brett’s presentation, his heart rate “wouldn’t settle down. I made it through, but my heart was racing, and I wasn’t even nervous,” he says.

After the conference, he drove home with plans to see his good friend, cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Jim Stone, the following Monday.

Tests on his heart led to cardiac catheterization that revealed blockages in several coronary arteries.

“Shock and disbelief ensued,” Brett says, “but I knew I was in the best of care.” He was immediately admitted to North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo, where cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. David Talton performed triple bypass surgery.

“I had more medical care done in that one week than I’ve had done throughout my entire life,” Brett says. “Dr. Talton is well respected, and I don’t think I could have gotten better care at Cleveland Clinic or anywhere else. My care was top notch.”

Brett says this experience has given him a new lease on life, one with more intention and purpose. “I now get to see my grandkids grow up, my kids’ plans and dreams fulfilled, and projects I am passionate about come to fruition,” he says. “Most of all, I get more years with my wonderful wife, Andi, to experience more and see parts of this world we haven’t ventured to yet.”

Early in the recovery process, Brett started getting back to activities he loves. With encouragement from his doctor, Dr. Richmond McCarty, he is making diet and lifestyle improvements. He participates in NMMC’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program, where he is making great strides and learning how to prevent future heart events.

Because of his experience, several family members and friends have investigated their own heart risk. “Had we not caught this now, I believe I would have died playing basketball or tennis in the next year or two,” Brett says. “Modern medicine provides screening for many maladies that can be easier to remedy if caught early.”