We continue to monitor COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses in our communities. Read the most current information about prevention, testing and where to go if you're sick.

COVID-19 Information

Heart Valve Surgery Gives New Lease on Life

Image

While vacationing in New Orleans in 2001, Connie felt an achiness in her chest that she thought was due to a pulled muscle from not sleeping well. After returning home, the pain did not subside, and she went to the emergency room to have it checked. The doctor ordered an echocardiogram.

An echocardiogram (also known as an "echo") is a procedure that shows pictures of the heart's valves and chambers and helps evaluate the heart's pumping action.

Connie's echo showed that her heart was functioning without problem, but her heart's aortic valve was starting to show signs of stenosis. "The ER doctor referred me to a cardiology group close to our home in Jerseyville, Illinois, for follow-up care."

When Connie saw her new cardiologist, he told her that the echo also revealed she had been born with an aortic valve heart defect.

The heart has four chambers separated by valves with flaps that open and close, regulating the amount of blood entering each chamber at a time. Instead of three flaps, Connie's aortic valve had only two.

Missouri Baptist Medical Center cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. James Scharff explained, "It’s not uncommon for some people to find out that they were born with a heart defect until later in life, especially if they aren’t experiencing symptoms." He added that some aortic valve conditions eventually require surgery to reduce the risk of heart failure.

Because Connie had mild aortic valve disease without symptoms, she saw her cardiologist for regular echocardiograms to monitor her condition. While worsening stenosis was noted on later exams, continued observation was the plan because she wasn't experiencing any symptoms.

For years, Connie enjoyed an active life with her husband, Arlin, and their three children.

New Symptoms Lead to New Diagnosis

In 2021, Connie noticed she was tiring more quickly. "My fatigue gradually worsened to the point where lifting my arm was difficult."

Connie's cardiologist ordered an echo and a heart catheterization to check her heart valves and blood vessels. The test results showed that Connie had severe aortic valve stenosis that prevented her valve from fully opening and reduced blood flow from her heart to the rest of her body. "They also found a blockage in one of my heart vessels, but I didn't have shortness of breath or chest pain, two of the main symptoms of aortic valve stenosis."

When asked about who she'd like to see for surgery and further treatment, Connie said, "I knew I wanted to come to Missouri Baptist and Dr. Scharff."

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Connie met Dr. Scharff in 2012 when Arlin needed a cardiothoracic surgeon to repair a leaky mitral valve in his heart. "I was nervous about Arlin's surgery because my mom had open-heart surgery, and my dad had complications after a cardiac catheter procedure performed at another hospital." She explained that they interviewed several surgeons before choosing Dr. Scharff. "When we met Dr. Scharff and his nurse Carol, we immediately liked them. Having heart surgery can be scary, and Dr. Scharff always takes time to answer questions."

Connie's cardiologist arranged for the referral to Dr. Scharff. During her first appointment, Dr. Scharff ordered an additional test to determine if the blockage in her vessel was severe enough to need a bypass procedure. The bypass would be performed during the same operation as her valve replacement if necessary.

Dr. Scharff collaborated with MoBap cardiologist Dr. Jeremy Tietjens about the test results. Because the results showed that Connie had good blood flow to her heart, they agreed that she didn't need a coronary bypass grafting procedure, which would require a large incision to open her chest and a longer recovery.

"We decided on a minimally invasive approach with one small incision on her upper chest to replace her aortic valve, which would help Connie's heart pump blood more easily from the heart to the rest of her body," Dr. Scharff explained. He added that minimally invasive heart surgery typically has a shorter hospital stay, fewer complications, a quicker recovery and less pain than traditional open-heart surgery.

Heart Surgery at MoBap

In preparation for surgery, Connie came to Missouri Baptist on October 20, 2021, to complete preoperative testing. "I had a heart catheterization, chest x-ray and an ultrasound of the vessels in my neck. Even though it was a long day, I'm grateful that the heart team coordinated all my testing, so we only had to make one trip from Jerseyville."

On October 25, Connie had heart surgery, and Dr. Scharff replaced her damaged aortic valve with an bovine valve made from cow tissue. During her two-hour surgery, Connie was connected to a heart-lung bypass machine which kept blood moving through her body during the procedure. Dr. Scharff explained that Connie's new valve has an expandable frame, so a catheter approach would be more feasible if the valve wears out and needs replacing in the future.

Recovery

After surgery, Connie spent three days in the hospital. Now that she's home, Connie still has some pain, which is normal, but feels great overall and takes daily walks around the lake near their house. "My fatigue is gone, and one of the biggest changes I've noticed is that my feet are warm now because of the improved blood circulation to my body."

Shortly after returning home, Connie experienced a brief episode of dizziness, and she called the MoBap cardiothoracic surgery physician assistant on call. "Thankfully, I was just dehydrated, and the physician assistant reassured me that I had done the right thing by calling."

After her surgery, Connie and Arlin decided to consolidate their heart care through Missouri Baptist and now see cardiologist Dr. Jeremy Tietjens. "We love MoBap and trust all the doctors there. We also like how closely everyone on the heart team collaborates and works together. It's truly impressive."

Looking forward to resuming their active lifestyle in 2022, Connie and Arlin have two trips planned early in the year. Connie said that her heart surgery has given her a new lease on life. "Every time I'm at Missouri Baptist, I feel cared for, listened to and taken seriously. I always tell people that if you have heart problems, go to MoBap."

Missouri Baptist's Heart Center

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. James Scharff and cardiologist Dr. Jeremy Tietjens are part of the heart team at MoBap that also includes specialized cardiac nurses and physicians who only care for cardiac and thoracic patients, like Connie. Offering several screening services and specialized treatments, the Heart Center provides a comprehensive cardiac program to treat a range of heart conditions.

"By drawing upon the vast knowledge and experiences of each member of our heart team, we feel that we can provide optimal individualized care to all of our patients," said Dr. Scharff.

For more information about the Heart Center, visit MissouriBaptist.org/heart.

Related Heart Content

Find a Doctor or Make an Appointment

Our new search tool will help you choose a doctor or health care provider that is best for you or your family.

Search Now

Stock photo of young family in kitchen preparing healthy meal

Online Heart Health Assessment

Are you at risk for a heart attack? Learn about your risk factors with our online heart health assessment tool and find help for improving your results.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

MoBap Celebrates 1,000 TAVR Case Milestone

On December 6, 2022, Missouri Baptist Medical Center performed its 1,000th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

“We are proud to reach this milestone,” says Michael Mauney, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon on staff at Missouri Baptist. “MoBap was among the first medical centers in the nation to adopt this procedure following FDA approval in Fall 2011.”

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure for replacing a stenotic (tight) aortic valve in which the aortic valve narrows, reducing blood flow from the heart to the aorta. This procedure can also replace failed artificial aortic and mitral valves. TAVR is a treatment option to be considered for those with severe aortic stenosis, including many with worn-out surgical valves.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Helps Tom Return to the Basketball Court

Tom Caspari thought he was too healthy to have a heart attack.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Mitral Valve Replacement

When Tina needed a new mitral valve, she benefited from BJC HealthCare’s collaborative approach to care that connected her with a multidisciplinary team of heart specialists. Her journey included seamless coordination between medical teams at two BJC HealthCare facilities: Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Missouri Baptist Medical Center (MoBap).

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Dr. Stewart Gets a “Second Chance at Life” After Heart Attack

Todd Stewart, MD, is no stranger to critically ill patients and life-saving procedures. As a spinal neurosurgeon and chief of neurosurgery at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, it’s all in a day’s work. But it came as a shock when he suffered a life-threatening heart attack last year.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Heart Matters: Father-Son Heart Surgery Strengthens Bond

When the need for surgery arose, this close-knit family made the decision to travel to St. Louis for a second opinion and care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center (MoBap). However, Matt and Bill never expected to be in the hospital at the same time, much less have heart surgery on the same day.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Cardiac Testing at Missouri Baptist Medical Center

Diagnosing a heart condition often requires a combination of cardiovascular diagnostic and screening tests. These advanced tests can often determine the existence, type and severity of heart disease.

At Missouri Baptist Medical Center, our Cardiac Diagnostics Center is equipped with advanced technology and expertly trained staff to conducts these tests. Your test results will be evaluated by a board-certified cardiologist on staff at MoBap and discussed with your physician to tailor a treatment plan for your specific condition.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Washington University Heart Failure Center at Missouri Baptist

At the Washington University Heart Failure Center at Missouri Baptist, we use a team approach to develop an individualized plan of care for you to manage your disease.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Arrhythmia Center

At the Arrhythmia Center at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, we want to help you understand everything there is to know about arrhythmia, especially finding the right treatment just for you. Our goal is to keep you and your heart healthy.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Did You Know?

As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more widely available, many people wonder whether it's right for them. BJC HealthCare wants you to have the information you need to make the right decision for yourself and your loved ones.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

The transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure allows a team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to insert a new valve inside a diseased valve without open heart surgery. The new valve is put in place through a catheter that is inserted through the groin or between the ribs. 

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right
Melissa and Chris post on the sofa with family photos all around.

Early Intervention Makes the Difference

Melissa Ham’s voice is still a little shaky when she recalls being told that her husband, Chris, had about a 1-in-3 chance of surviving the heart attack that occurred at their home on July 13, 2016.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Heart Valve Surgery Gives New Lease on Life

Looking forward to resuming their active lifestyle in 2022, Connie and Arlin have two trips planned early in the year. Connie said that her heart surgery has given her a new lease on life. "Every time I'm at Missouri Baptist, I feel cared for, listened to and taken seriously. I always tell people that if you have heart problems, go to MoBap."

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Losing More Than Sleep

Everybody suffers occasionally from not getting enough sleep. But a lack of sleep can do more than just make you feel tired the next day. Chronic sleep problems can be a contributing factor to more serious health problems.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

New Technology for Treating Cardiac Arrhythmias

The new technology at MoBap — robotic magnetic navigation (RMN) — introduces the benefits of robotic precision and safety to cardiac ablation, a common, minimally invasive procedure used to treat arrhythmias

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Early Heart Attack Care

Did you know that heart attacks have beginnings and these beginning signs occur in more than half of all heart attack patients? Learn the important early signs and symptoms.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Mending Hearts

Tracy Pick and her mom, Betty Mesplay, are no strangers to heart procedures. But this time the mother-daughter duo would be going through recovery together.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Heart Health Tips

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.  There are several risk factors that contribute to heart disease.  Some risk factors, including gender, age and family history are uncontrollable, while other risk factors can be modified with lifestyle changes.  Learn how you can make changes to improve your heart health.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Palliative Care: Helping Patients Live Their Best Lives

Lynn’s husband Steve was diabetic and diagnosed with end stage renal disease 11 years ago. Without warning, Steve’s condition turned critical three years ago. Desperate for guidance and strength, Lynn was connected to April and the Palliative Care team at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Getting Clara to the Beach

Clara Freeman anxiously anticipated attending her oldest granddaughter's beach wedding.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Starting Your Heart Health Journey

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for "men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States." However, heart disease can be present with no symptoms until a significant event happens, like a stroke or heart attack.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Cardiac Surgeons Discuss Valve Disease and New Treatment Methods

Cardiac surgeons at MoBap talk about valve disease and new treatment methods, including minimally invasive surgery.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Recipes for Your Health

Tasted, tested and analyzed by dietitians at Missouri Baptist Medical Center

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right
Dr. Higano continues to follow up care with Ira.

An Alliance to Save Lives by Saving Time

On Dec. 5, 2017, 57-year-old Ira Schalk began to feel nauseous on his job at a lead mining operation near Viburnum, Mo. For days he had felt tired, but thought it might be the flu. It wasn’t.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right