A Stroke Saved My Life

“A stroke saved my life.”

Jason was 43 years old when he suffered a stroke at work. He had no prior symptoms. But he does have congenital heart disease called transposition of the great arteries and had a major heart operation when he was almost 2 years old.

Thankfully, after the stroke Jason was referred to Dr. Martin Bocks and the University Hospitals Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) program. Dr. Bocks closed a small hole in Jason’s heart that caused the stroke while also opening up a narrowed pathway in his heart using a special covered stent. Jason has done great ever since. He checks in with Dr. Bocks and the ACHD team twice a year to make sure his heart continues to function optimally.

“The stroke was a real wake up call. We are not bulletproof, we are all human,” said Jason. He believes his stroke could have been prevented by routine check-ups with an ACHD specialist.

Jason will eventually need a heart transplant because his right ventricle will continue to get weaker over time. He and his heart team are doing everything possible to keep his own heart functioning as best it can for as long as it can. Jason is now much more diligent about his health and enjoys spending time with his family.

The ACHD program at University Hospitals is one of only 44 hospitals in the country accredited by the @AdultCongenitalHeartAssociation.