All Things Heart

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...

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 share...

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 o...

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 cardiothoraci...

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.

After a stroke, heart failure, and being told hospice was his only option, Terrance Bruce's family refused to give up—seeking new care that ultimately changed everything. With the help of an LVAD and later a groundbreaking Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) heart transplant, Terrance overcame a life-threatening infection and received a second chance at life. Today, he's feeling like a new man—...

After a stroke, heart failure, and being told hospice was his only option, Terrance Bruce's family refused to give up—seeking new care that ultimately changed everything. With the help of an LVAD and later a groundbreaking Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) heart transplant, Terrance overcame a life-threatening infection and received a second chance at life. Today, he's feeling like a new man—...

A young mom lived with years of unexplained pain before doctors finally diagnosed pelvic congestion syndrome. The condition, caused by enlarged pelvic veins, is often overlooked in women with chronic pelvic pain. After a specialized minimally invasive procedure, she finally found relief.

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 listeni...

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.