All Things Heart

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.

Robert Frias was extremely sick- a heart transplant changed his life. He's here with his doctors to reveal what it's like to go through a transplant and discuss his quality of life on the other side.

Manuel Romo lost his twin brother, sister, and mother to a genetic condition no one knew they had. Years later, a new diagnosis and lifesaving heart surgery revealed the true cause—and gave him a future. Manuel joins specialists from The University of Kansas Health System to discuss Loeys-Dietz syndrome, monitoring hidden heart risks, and the importance of speaking up, getting checked, and listening to the people who love you.

For patients living hours from specialty clinics, the Care Collaborative is transforming access to heart, stroke, and chronic disease care across rural Kansas. Through remote monitoring, real-time guidance, and daily support, patients like Vern Becker are staying healthier without long travel. Alexis Del Cid talks with Vern, his care team, and leaders behind this groundbreaking program.

She underwent open heart surgery for a rare heart defect. Now doctors prescribed her GLP1-meds. But it's not to lose weight. We explore how these drugs are being used for cardiac care.

A young mom running on adrenaline and caffeine learned there her racing heart wasn't just lifestyle- it was a medical issue. She got her rhythm back on track with a cardiac ablation

No warnings, no symptoms so thank goodness she so giving! Meet the nurse whose routine blood donation saved her life.

He's not even 30 — and he's already on his second heart valve replacement. But this time, there's no open-heart surgery. Step inside the cath lab and see how doctors at The University of Kansas Health System are using advanced, minimally invasive techniques to give patients a second chance at life — without ever opening the chest.

She already had a pacemaker, then came a double mastectomy. Now, meet a woman with one of the world's smallest pacemakers — and learn why this tiny device is making a big difference after breast cancer surgery.

A patient's persistent pelvic pain found a name: Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. With proper diagnosis came real relief—and the chance to reclaim the life she thought she'd lost.  Learn about her treatment and the life she leads today.

Meet an inspiring patient battling both heart failure and cancer at The University of Kansas Health System. He's now had an "L-VAD" for seven years that helps blood pump through his heart. Learn how his medical team is working to improve his quality of life for years to come.

More than 40% of Americans have hypertension or high blood pressure. Sometimes a change in diet and medication isn't enough. Doctors at The University of Kansas Health System offer hope using minimally invasive radiofrequency in a procedure that can reduce or even eliminate the need for medicine in some patients. 

A mother's frightening diagnosis of pregnancy induced heart failure led to a mechanical device called an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) that doctors at The University of Kansas Health System use as a bridge to transplant. Now her medical journey takes a remarkable turn- as those same doctors use LVAD as a bridge to her recovery.

Tetralogy of fallot, it's when a baby's heart doesn't form correctly during pregnancy leading to four different heart defects all at once.

Cardiac nurses literally work heart to heart with their patients. Go behind the scenes to learn about the high-stakes world of heart care and the nurses who never miss a beat.

It's a remarkable story of survival. A congestive heart failure patient vows to honor his donor's gift of life. We explore Richard Johnson's incredible journey which includes the rare feat of walking while on ECMO.

He was in his 30's when he suddenly tired easily. Turns out he had an aortic aneurism. Learn about the surgery to save him and the tiny pacemaker that preserves his beating heart.

Alex Lovely, a school facilities manager, endured years of serious health issues before discovering he had hyperaldosteronism—a rare, often missed condition. Hear how expert care at The University of Kansas Health System transformed his life just in time for a fall dance he'll never forget.

She had trouble breathing and blamed asthma. But she was short of breath for another reason- an aneurysm in her aortic arch. Learn how the right diagnosis and a surgery changed everything in just one day. Guests include patient Jody Roberts and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Todd Crawford.

A clinical trial is underway to determine if shunts inside the heart help blood flow properly and reduce pressure. This is just one of many trials to help advance medicine and heart care. Guests include patient Richard Thomas, Division Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine Dr. Mark Wiley, and Transplantation Cardiologist Dr. Hirak Shah.

A local city council-member was asked to give final words which were almost his final words when he collapsed. It led to a unique heart transplant which involved two surgeons from two different hospitals.

Two friends share more than just vacation memories- they also share ischemic heart disease. They share their near-death experiences and the care that has stabilized their health.

Six and half million Americans have heart failure. It causes chest pain, shortness of breath and dizziness to just name a few. CCM therapy may be an option to regulate your heart.

It's a reality for children born with heart defects- they will grow up and need an entire new care team. Patient Ali Baker shares her experience with the Adult Congenital Health Disease Clinic.

 A heart doctor and nurse practitioner keeping each other in a healthy rhythm. What can we learn from a married couple working in cardiology and lessons of how their love keeps work and life balanced.

We celebrate a week of love! Donating the gift of life may be the greatest gift you can give to another person. Meet two patients who have a new lease on life due to heart transplants.

We celebrate a week of love acknowledging the comfort and companionship kids need in the hospital. Learn about "Shadow Buddies."

From the players to the fans in the stands, The University of Kansas Health System, is your official health care provider. We are also some of the biggest fans! We cheer on the Chiefs!

Heart disease is the leading case of death for women. Studies and therapies to treat it were mostly designed for men. Hear how women can advocate for the heart health.

As we are in holiday party season, hear about how drinking more than usual for just one night can affect your heart. Guests include electrophysiologist Dr. Rhea Pimentel and interventional cardiologist Dr. Dusan Stanojevich.

An eye doctor discovered dangerous blockages requiring open heart surgery. Learn why doctors say a routine trip to the ophthalmologist can be lifesaving. Guests include: Dr. Todd Crawford, thoracic surgeon; Dr. Radwan Ajlan, comprehensive ophthalmologist; and patient Vickie Baylie.

Kenny Karczewski refused to believe open heart surgery was his only option. How a second opinion at The University of Kansas Health System led him to a much less-invasive solution.

A lesson in trusting your instincts. Ann Bruer was told she needed a heart transplant. A second opinion revealed the fix was far less extreme, her 50-years-long fight to a healthy heart.

A single mother of six with no time to slow down is told her heart is failing. What doctors did that has her back to living her life and being a

A drawer full of medications, and years of scary diagnoses. Haley Taylor is determined.  We share her journey to good health, after refusing to take no for an answer.

An incredible addition for cardiac patients and their doctors. See how the robotic heart lab is changing patient care.

We explain the link between breast cancer treatment and heart problems, and the doctors who specialize in minimizing those risks.

When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she didn't slow down. She got moving! Her doctors say it had everything to do with protecting her heart during her treatments, and her recovery.

Instead of driving hours to find the right doctor, Glen Virden only has to drive 15 minutes in a town of less than three thousand. We share the work being done to bring top of the line health care to rural communities.

An infectious giggle and beautiful eyes! You'd never guess the trouble that surrounded this little girl's birth for her mom, pregnancy-induced heart failure!

A nickname that comes with a medical story made for a movie. Find out why his friends call him "Miracle."

Nearly 39 million Americas are living with diabetes. We explore the link between diabetes and heart failure and how to prevent it from happening to you.

After the journey to save his failing lasted years, this is how Brian Pitts went from patient to survivor and now thriver! We look at his incredible mission.

A routine visit leads to an emergency surgery! What happened to a patient and why she says she feels better now, in her sixties then she did in her 30's!

Born months early at only 3 pounds, her newborn also had a heart condition. How our medical team treats the tiniest of hearts.

A new mom goes from spending a morning snuggling with her baby to the emergency department and a stunning diagnosis. The treatment and the changes she made to her life personally and professionally.

He went to bed with leg pain and woke up to a leg that had doubled in size!! See the lifesaving treatment that had him back on his feet.

"I remember camping at the lake, a sudden searing chest pain that came out of nowhere, bounding out of the camper I cried for help" That chest pain wound up being a tear in a major artery. Meet the woman who survived a potentially deadly condition and see how she's inspiring others.

It's a milestone few hospitals have reached and it's having a positive impact for patients! We celebrate the technique that eliminates the need for you to go on blood thinners!

A Kansas City drummer skipped taking care of the most important beat, his heart! What he ignored that ultimately led to a quintuple bypass.