Health First Cardiothoracic Surgery Dr. Matthew Campbell founded the structural heart program at Holmes Regional Medical Center
Last year, the Heart Center at Holmes Regional celebrated its 1,000th successful TAVR procedures. This year the center plans to conduct nearly 300 more. Luther Radway of Palm Bay was home the next day. “I thought they were going to open my chest, but my cardiologist said, ‘No, we’re not doing that anymore.'”
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Life expectancy in the United States has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet many Americans are living longer – much longer.
There are about 100,000 centenarians living in the United States today, a number that more than double the just a generation ago. Incredibly, population researchers at the US Census Bureau expect this number Quadrupling in the next 30 years.
One Palm Bay man who is happy to join the ranks is Luther Radway. Born in Jamaica, the retired medical physicist from New York City moved to Florida as a much younger man in his 60s. His long life would have been unimaginable to him as a child growing up on an island where the drinking water was untreated, he says, and he got his first toothbrush at age 12.
“I believe it is God’s grace that I am here speaking to you.”
Radway never misses a doctor’s appointment. He is an evangelist for modern medicine, so when his Health First cardiologist, Enrique Polanco, MDtold him that his aortic valve needed treatment and he was happy to create a treatment plan.
In May, he became the oldest Health First patient to undergo minimally invasive transcatheteral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery to treat aortic stenosis.
Minimally invasive TAVR
Radway, like many older Americans, suffers from Aortic stenosisa narrowing of the valve opening due to calcification. The blood cannot flow normally. This can lead to heart failure.
Health First cardiothoracic surgeon Matthew Campbell, MDstarted the structural heart program at Holmes Regional Medical Center, and the Heart Center began conducting transcatheteral aortic valve replacement (TAVRs) in July 2015.
“When a patient’s aortic stenosis becomes symptomatic, when its severity becomes ‘severe,’ there is a very short period of time – one to two years – where their chances of survival disappear if left untreated,” says Dr. Campbell.
Patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, difficulty walking short distances, and a decrease in activity level or reduced ability to perform normal activities.
“TAVR is the best way to treat severe aortic stenosis in older patients,” says Dr. Campbell.
Last year, the Heart Center at Holmes Regional celebrated its 1,000th successful TAVR procedures. This year the center plans to conduct nearly 300 more.
Health First’s Structural Heart Program offers a wide range of FDA-approved options for valvular heart disease, from minimally invasive surgical solutions to transcatheteral solutions such as TAVR, Mitraclip and more.
TAVR procedures are minimally invasive. Patients can usually go home the next day. Risk is low and recovery is quick.
“TAVR is particularly useful for patients over 70 or 75 years of age because the recovery period after the procedure is minimal,” says Dr. Campbell. “We get patients back to their normal lives as quickly as possible.”
The secret of a long life
Radway is the oldest TAVR recipient, but Dr. Campbell said many patients over 90 are being approved for it. What sets this group apart is that severe aortic stenosis is the main factor limiting their quality of life.
A complete evaluation of Radway’s heart – echocardiogram, CT scan, cardiac catheterization and laboratory tests – revealed that his heart is in good condition and he is an ideal candidate for TAVR.
What is the secret to his longevity? Moderate diet, daily exercise and a grandfather who lived to be 103, says Radway. And: “Listen to your doctors – make your appointments.”
Before his vacation this summer, he asked his cardiologist for permission to travel, so much does he value Dr. Polanco and his heart care. Yes, he was told, but “don’t drink rum.”
“So, I’m going to Jamaica. This is very difficult!” he told his doctor.
Did he?
“No, I didn’t drink any rum.”
Today Radway visits Health First’s cardiac rehabilitation program Twice a week he builds strength and endurance through aerobic exercises under the supervision of sports specialists certified in cardiac rehabilitation.
Dr. Campbell recommends that people who experience new physical limitations within three to six months, such as shortness of breath during activities they performed without problems a year ago, should make an appointment with a cardiologist.
If you are considering cardiovascular services, from heart valve replacement to cardiac rhythm stimulation to developing a personalized heart health plan, visit HF.org/HeartTake a short, anonymous heart risk test there.
