Patient stories

Dean Snow has had open-heart surgery three times. As a psychologist who works with heart patients, he has unique insight into the ways valve disease can impact mental and emotional health.

Rena was 58 when she learned that she had lived her whole life with a congenital heart defect — a bicuspid aortic valve. Determination and a positive attitude helped her face an uncertain future and eventual open-heart surgery.

Dianne Galbraith finally learned the cause of her crushing fatigue: a leaking mitral valve that needed urgent surgery. Even more surprising was the likely cause: a childhood bout of rheumatic fever that might have damaged her heart.

Virginia Nordlee was thrilled to learn she would not have to leave Saskatchewan to receive a minimally invasive mitral valve repair.

At age 27, the meaning of that murmur became clear when Cole was diagnosed with severe aortic valve disease. He shared his insights as both a heart valve patient and a healthcare professional.

Bill Power figured he was just getting old when he started experiencing fatigue and chest discomfort while doing some of his favourite activities. But what he thought were normal signs of aging turned out to be symptoms of heart valve disease.

Len never gave up hope. Cancer treatment had left his faulty aortic valve with further damage, and surgery to replace the valve was considered risky.

Shirley had already been through one valve replacement. Now, in her 80s, that valve was failing. Would a transcatheter procedure be right for her?

Christian was active and healthy, with a growing young family. He was shocked to learn he had heart valve disease and needed urgent surgery.

Rudy Cuzzetto didn’t realize how a faulty heart valve was affecting his life — until he followed his wife’s advice to see a doctor.

After a successful valve replacement on the same day her sister had heart surgery, Lise urges women to pay attention to their hearts.

Kathy Howes couldn’t get an explanation for her dizziness, fainting and racing heartbeats — until a test revealed she needed urgent valve surgery.

After a blackout led to his diagnosis with heart valve disease, John Hartill wants more people to be aware of subtle symptoms.

After he was diagnosed with valve disease, Dave Smith urges his friends to ask their doctors for a stethoscope check.

An Ironman participant, Fabio had to take a break from sport because he needed heart surgery but it didn't take him long to get back in the race.

Joylyn Bogle was in heart failure, too weak to undergo surgery. Thanks to a minimally invasive heart valve repair, Joylyn got her life back.

Ruth had open heart surgery at age nine, then again almost 50 years later. She shares a lifetime’s experience with valve disease.

After surgery to repair a leaky heart valve, Mandy says, “It’s as though I’ve discovered new gears on my bike!”

Chest pain brought Nancy Bagworth to emergency. After two open heart surgeries, she will never minimize how she's feeling or put off seeking care again.

An infection in his heart had Bryan Socransky on life support. His message to others: advocate for your health and don't wait until it's too late.

John Stott learned his heart condition needed urgent treatment. Ten weeks post-surgery he was back at work and had a new perspective on life.

After a minimally invasive valve replacement procedure, Peter was back home quickly — and back to playing his beloved golf.