Heart & Vascular

Robert Fulkerson had worked in health care for more than 30 years, so, as he puts it, “I know good health care instantly, when I see it.” He also knows good nurses, good hospitals and good medical teams. But nothing he has seen in three decades of working as a scrub nurse and an orthopedic … Read More

Christian D’Angelo has Marfan syndrome, a genetic condition that affects the body’s connective tissue. Because connective tissue holds cells, organs and tissue together throughout the entire body, Marfan syndrome can cause serious complications involving the aorta and heart. Marfan syndrome has always played a huge role in Christian’s life. He was only 6-years-old when his … Read More

For several years, Mike Barnes was told by internist William Fukuda, M.D. that he had a heart murmur that might later require intervention. Under the advice of Dr. Fukuda, Barnes sought expert input from cardiologist Carey O’Bryan, M.D. to help monitor his heart health. Dr. O’Bryan told him that he had a failing aortic valve … Read More

When Robert Blayden thinks about the circumstances of his valve replacement surgery – the timing, the hospital, the physicians – it’s as though the stars aligned. “I think about it every once in a while,” said Robert, 82. “What a gift I received.” Robert was part of a clinical trial at Hoag last year to … Read More

Tom Johnson, publisher of Stu News Newport, has long been a supporter of Hoag. He has twice chaired the 552 Club, a community-based group of volunteers and donors. He serves on a philanthropic committee that supports Hoag nurses. And he has been a supporter of the Hoag Classic practically since the PGA-TOUR golf tournament first … Read More

“I’m feeling great. I’m line dancing. I’m working outside. If it weren’t for Dianne finding Dr. Yalvac, I would just be on medication. I wouldn’t have the energy to do the things I want to do, and I like to keep busy and move fast. I feel like I can do something with my life now.”

From generation to generation, Hoag has improved — and many times, saved — lives, including mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, brothers and sisters. And grandfathers and grandsons. Sean Porter is reminded of that fact every time he looks into his grandfather’s eyes. Bill Porter had a heart attack and subsequent heart surgery by a … Read More

Having a heart attack at 32 is horrible enough. But when you’re told that the cause of your ailment is genetic, and you have two young boys at home, it does something to your psyche. For some, knowing you have genetic high cholesterol might leave you terrified. For others, like Gary Leibowitz, it will bring … Read More

Jenny Murphy has three children. This is significant not only because her children are young and rambunctious and adorable (which they are). It is significant because they might never have been born. Diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse at the age of 14, Jenny’s heart condition was monitored for more a decade before it became obvious … Read More

Gary Whitener knew his heart was in trouble a few years ago when he would get winded climbing a flight of stairs. Subbarao Myla, M.D., F.A.C.C., cardiologist and director of Hoag Cardiac Cath Labs, said Gary’s heart valve was damaged, and recommended he be evaluated for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Gary underwent the hour-long … Read More