Patient Stories
After 10 Years, David Feels His TAVR Procedure Was a Lucky Break
Some might question why David Smith considers himself lucky. A Vietnam vet who had been exposed to the carcinogen Agent Orange, David battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma with treatments that likely exacerbated his hereditary heart condition. A diagnosis of hemolytic anemia a few years later ensured that, should he ever need major surgery, the results could be … Read More
Stu News Publisher Has a New Appreciation for Hoag
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
Sean Porter is Living Proof that Hoag Heals Heart to Heart
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
Genetic Heart Disease & the Importance of a Heart Healthy Life
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
Hoag Gave Jenny Murphy What Her Heart Desired
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
Valve Replacement Without Opening the Chest
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
Living Proof that Hoag Heals Heart to Heart, One
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
For Valve Repair Patients, Hoag is a Destination
Angela Canlas still tears up when she thinks about her heart surgery, one year later. “I live in Nevada, but my cardiologist told me that if I were his daughter, there’s only one doctor he’d send me to and that I’d have to head to Newport Beach,” Angela said. “He said, ‘He’s the best.’” So, … Read More
Getting to the Heart of it: Aortic Conditions the Focus of Hoag
Danniena (Danni) Sun thought she was too young to need major heart surgery. In 2013, Sun experienced an episode of chest pain and visited Hoag’s emergency department. As part of her work-up, she received a coronary CT scan, which uncovered a thoracic aortic aneurysm – a bulge in the wall of her aorta, the largest … Read More
OC Businessman Chooses Mini Maze for His Atrial Fibrillation
For Sam Wolgemuth the problem was perplexing. After a day of clearing fallen trees on his vacation property in Wisconsin, Wolgemuth felt something he hadn’t ever felt before. His heart was pounding. It was uncomfortable, but not painful. It definitely wasn’t a heart attack, but then what was it? Wolgemuth’s wife, a nurse, listened to … Read More