For Mickey Chanda, 56, getting to a cardiologist was not something he wanted to put off for long. "There is quite a family history of heart disease among the Chandas," he says.
The Forked River resident made his first appointment with cardiologist Virendra Patel, M.D., of Jersey Shore University Medical Center soon after turning 50.
"At this visit, we established a baseline of Mickey's numbers and looked at his heart structure," Dr. Patel explains. "We did an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. With his history, I also recommended a follow-up visit every six months."
Diagnosis: A Leaky Valve
At one follow-up visit, the echo revealed a leaky valve in Mickey's heart. Because it was identified early, it meant Dr. Patel could monitor it carefully before surgery would become necessary. Mickey reached this point in spring 2009.
"I noticed any physical exertion caused me to ose my breath. My heart was pounding. I made an appointment with Dr. Patel and was admitted to Jersey Shore for a bunch of tests," Mickey recalls.
He was referred to David Johnson, M.D., a cardiac surgeon. "We knew Mickey was going to need his mitral valve repaired or replaced, so our interventional cardiology team in the cath lab performed a catheterization and determined no additional conditions needed to be addressed," Dr. Johnson explains.
Mickey did his own research and talked with friends and family to help understand all his options. "Everyone told me recovery from open-heart surgery was quite painful. I wanted to learn more about other types of procedures," he says.
Treatment: Minimally Invasive Surgery and Speedy Recovery
Mickey was in luck at Jersey Shore. "In many cases, we can repair the leaky mitral valve through a small incision between the ribs," Dr. Johnson explains. "There are several benefits when we don't have to replace it, but we also have to be prepared to replace the valve when necessary."
That was the case for Mickey. Surgery was scheduled for June and went exactly as anticipated. Following recovery, Mickey stayed at Jersey Shore for four nights. "The nurses were extremely attentive, and I truly didn't feel much of anything after the surgery," he says.
Mickey started cardiac rehab six weeks later at Southern Ocean County Hospital. It was important for him to have a strong program close to home and work since he was going three days a week for monitored exercise.
"I'm actually better than before. I was so impressed with Jersey Shore," Mickey concludes. "I hadn't realized what a spectacular hospital it is, living down here. I can't say enough about what they've done for me at Jersey Shore."
About the Doctors
David L. Johnson, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery
Neptune | 732-776-4618
Virendra Patel, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine
Brick | 732-458-6200
