Michael's Profile

I was a Marine for 20 years, ran 6 marathons, various other long distance races for years. Even set a world record for military teams in 24 hour 10 man team relay in 1978 (257 miles). In my early 60s I developed a heart murmur caused by a leaking aortic valve. The diameter was 4.4 cm, thus the leaflets would not close all the way. Many ECGs later, on 6/30/2020 after many tests (MRI, CT, etc.) we found the diameter has increased to 5.0 cm, the ascending aorta is also enlarged, and my left ventricle has enlarged. So I'm scheduled on September 14th for a aortic root and valve replacement at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Valve Center. Dr. Marc Katz is a well known heart surgeon having performed over 200 heart transplants. I'm in good hands with him and in the hands of my God, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.