Tim's Profile

I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse about 12 years ago and at the time was told to notify the cardiologist of any drastic changes. As someone with no other health issues, great blood chemistry levels, and who workouts regularly I never really thought about it. Recently I had noticed a change in my heartbeat while swimming sets on my morning workout. Not long after that I developed a lung issue where it was very hard to breathe and went to the ER. The diagnosis was Atrial Fibrillation and pneumonia which required several meds which didn't cure the AFIB, followed by a TEE and subsequent cardioversion which put me pretty much back in sinus rhythm. A visit to another cardiologist and then a cardiac surgeon confirmed that I will require surgery to repair the leaking mitral valve and a MAZE procedure to hopefully cure the AFIB for the future. At 52 it is a tough pill to swallow after working so hard to take care of my heart, but it could be worse, and has unfortunately for some of my buddies. This has taught me to stay on top of the "signs" that tell you something isn't right and encourage others to do the same.