All Things Heart

Gene Hunter had no idea he was living with a potentially deadly aortic aneurysm. A routine X-ray at a chiropractor's office revealed the problem—Gene sought emergency care at The University of Kansas Health System. Vascular surgeon Dr. Axel Thors was able to repair the aneurysm without open heart surgery.

At age 4, Jamie Furey learned she had long QT syndrome after the sudden death of a young cousin prompted her family to uncover a history of the inherited heart condition.

After years of procedures and searching for the right doctor, Jamie found care at The University of Kansas Health System. A new type of defibrillator is helping her feel more confident about the future—and the life she's building at 26.

Glenda Lane spent decades living with a hole in her heart. But when she started having trouble breathing, two specialists uncovered the surprising cause and found a way to fix it without open-heart surgery. See how they worked together to give Glenda her life back.

Miguel Calvillo had just finished his workday at The University of Kansas Health System when he collapsed in the hallway. Among the co-workers who saved his life was the very surgeon Miguel often helps in the operating room. See how Miguel is doing today.

A routine heart procedure takes a terrifying turn for 29-year-old mom of three Alyssa Tatro when her heart suddenly stops working. An emergency flight, a collapsed lung and a race to save her life lead to an extraordinary gift. See how Alyssa went from fighting for her life to holding her children again.

Cathy Jacobson thought she was healthy. She exercised, felt fine and had no idea dangerous plaque was building inside her arteries. But after a coronary calcium scan, often called a CardioScore test, doctors discovered severe heart disease eventually led to quadruple bypass surgery. Cathy shares the emotional moment she learned she needed open heart surgery, while cardio-thoracic surgeon Dr. Greg Muehlebach, from The University of Kansas Health System, explains how coronary calcium scoring helps detect hidden heart disease before a heart attack happens. The conversation also explores elevated Lp(a), family history risks, who should consider getting screened. He explains why this quick test is becoming a powerful tool in preventative heart care. This is a real-world look at how early detection can save lives.

Anne Weishaar lived with daily chest pain for years after undergoing triple bypass heart surgery. The pain was caused by angina, a condition often linked to reduced blood flow to the heart and coronary artery disease. At times, the pain spread into her arms, shoulders and neck, forcing her to rely on nitroglycerin tablets just to get through the day. In this episode of All Things Heart, Anne shares what it was like to live with chronic angina and why she decided to take part in a clinical trial at The University of Kansas Health System. Her doctors explain what angina is, why it is not the same as a heart attack, and how a small hourglass-shaped device called a coronary sinus reducer may help improve blood flow to areas of the heart. They also discuss who may qualify for the clinical trial, how the device is implanted, possible risks and what this new approach could mean for patients still searching for relief. This is a hopeful look at innovation in heart care and a new option for people living with ongoing chest pain.

A routine physical led to a life-changing discovery for 40-year-old Per Christensen. After years of other health challenges and countless medical tests, a nurse practitioner heard a faint heart murmur that no one had noticed before. Further testing at The University of Kansas Health System revealed Per had been living with a congenital heart defect called a bicuspid aortic valve. In this episode of All Things Heart, Per shares his journey from diagnosis to open heart surgery, including the Ross procedure performed by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Todd Crawford. Dr. Crawford explains what a bicuspid aortic valve is, how it can go undetected into adulthood, and why the Ross procedure was the right option. The conversation also covers heart murmurs, preventive care, valve replacement, cardiac rehab, recovery after heart surgery, and why keeping a routine physical can make a life-changing difference.

A college student thought he had heartburn, but it turned out to be a life-threatening aortic dissection caused by undiagnosed Marfan syndrome. In this episode of All Things Heart, The University of Kansas Health System shares the story of Nicholas Counts, who collapsed just weeks before graduating from KU and woke up in the hospital after emergency open heart surgery. Nicholas joins cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Tyler Zorn, emergency physician Dr. Brandon Ricke, and cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Gustello who helped get him air-lifted to The University of Kansas Health System for surgery to repair his aorta. The conversation covers aortic dissection symptoms, how to tell the difference between heartburn and a serious heart emergency, what happens during aortic dissection surgery, and why genetic testing can be important after a rare cardiac event. Doctors also explain how Marfan syndrome affects connective tissue and why some people may not show the typical outward signs.

It's the latest wellness buzzword—but what is inflammation really? From TikTok diets to expensive spa treatments, everyone is talking about "resetting" their body. Today, we're separating the hype from the healthcare reality.