Why the Heart Matters: A Life-Saving Discovery
This past fall, I felt completely fine. No chest pain. No shortness of breath. No warning signs. I was living my life, working, exercising, and doing all the things you assume mean you’re healthy. As I approach my 60th birthday, I decided to be proactive and make sure I was up to date on routine testing. That single decision quite literally saved my life.
Starting With a Simple Question
In October, I visited my primary care provider with a straightforward goal: confirm that everything was on track. Because of a family history of heart disease and stroke, I specifically asked about heart-related testing. One test I requested was a Heart CT Calcium Scan. It’s a noninvasive scan often used to assess plaque buildup in the coronary arteries and evaluate cardiovascular risk.
I expected reassurance.
Instead, I received a call almost immediately after the scan. The results showed something entirely unexpected: a large, 5.2-centimeter aneurysm in my ascending aorta, near my heart valve. I had no symptoms, yet I was now being told I had a potentially life-threatening condition.
From Routine Test to Urgent Reality
My primary care provider referred me to a cardiac surgeon right away. During that initial consultation, I was told plainly that the aneurysm required open-heart surgery. Without intervention, the risk of rupture was extremely high, and the consequences could be fatal.
One day I was fine. The next day, I was facing the reality of open-heart surgery.
Like many people, I turned to my professional and personal networks. I sought second opinions, asked questions, and began researching aortic disease and valve conditions. I learned quickly how complex and specialized this area of cardiology and cardiac surgery can be.
More Testing, More Answers
Further diagnostic testing followed, including an echocardiogram and an angiogram. These tests revealed something I had lived with my entire life without knowing: I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital condition where the valve has two leaflets instead of the usual three. This condition is strongly associated with ascending aortic aneurysms.
The silver lining was that everything else looked good. There was no coronary artery blockage, and my overall heart function was strong. The issue wasn’t lifestyle-related or something I could have prevented with different habits. It was structural and congenital.
Armed with more information, I sought out a surgeon in Florida who specializes specifically in aortic and valve disease and is known for a less invasive surgical approach. Through telehealth consultations, we carefully reviewed my test results and discussed surgical options tailored to my specific anatomy and diagnosis.
Ultimately, I chose to move forward with surgery under the care of Dr. Joseph Lamelas at NCH Baker Hospital. His expertise in complex aortic and valve conditions, along with a minimally invasive surgical approach, gave me confidence in the path forward. The surgery successfully addressed the ascending aortic aneurysm.
While the word “surgery” is never easy to accept, knowing the condition had been identified before a catastrophic event made all the difference. Treatment was no longer about crisis management, but about prevention and long-term health.
The Emotional Whiplash
Perhaps the hardest part of this experience wasn’t the surgery itself, but the emotional adjustment. Going from “healthy” to “critical” in a matter of days is disorienting. There’s fear, disbelief, and a deep sense of vulnerability that comes with learning your heart has been silently at risk.
I had zero symptoms. No pain. No warning signs. If I hadn’t asked for that scan, I would not have known.
That’s the part I feel most compelled to share.
What I Learned and What to Ask
If there’s one takeaway from my experience, it’s the importance of advocating for your cardiovascular and aortic health, especially as we age or if there’s a family history of aortic conditions, valve abnormalities, or stroke.
Some practical questions and considerations:
Talk to your primary care provider about your family history of heart disease, aneurysms, valve conditions, and stroke.
Ask what heart screenings are appropriate for your age and risk profile. This may include imaging tests, not just blood work.
Understand your results. If something abnormal appears, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or a referral to a specialist.
Seek second opinions for complex diagnoses. Cardiovascular care is highly specialized, and expertise matters.
Know that symptoms aren’t always present. Feeling fine doesn’t always mean everything is fine.
Why the Heart Matters
My story is not about fear. It’s about awareness, timing, and the extraordinary impact of modern healthcare when issues are caught early. I’m deeply grateful for the providers, surgeons, and healthcare teams who guided me through diagnosis, decision-making, and recovery.
Heart disease doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it whispers, and sometimes it stays silent.
During Heart Month, my hope is simple: that sharing this experience encourages others to ask questions, request appropriate testing, and take their heart health seriously-before a routine scan turns into an emergency.
Because the heart truly does matter.
Mary Prendergast
IC System | Revenue Cycle Management
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