NE Missouri News

In January 2024, Don Gull from Farmington, Iowa began experiencing premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), which are irregular heart rhythms. His primary care doctor referred him to the University of Iowa for further evaluation, but the earliest available appointment was in July, a six-month wait.

Growing concerned as his symptoms worsened, Don contacted Hannibal Regional Heart Center in May. "I called on Friday and had an appointment on Monday," he stated. At his first consultation with Dr. Santhosh Mannem, an Interventional Cardiologist at Hannibal Regional, it was determined that Don would benefit from a heart ablation for his PVCs. Dr. Mannem then referred him to Dr. Santhisri Kodali, a Cardiac Electrophysiologist specializing in heart arrhythmias.

Before proceeding with the ablation, a routine stress test showed unexpected results—Don failed it. Dr. Mannem performed a heart catheterization and found that Don's left anterior descending artery was 80% blocked and two stents placed nine years earlier were also significantly clogged.

This diagnosis led to the need for open-heart surgery. Don met with Dr. Jose Torres, Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Hannibal Regional Heart Center. "Dr. Torres explained everything step by step and made me feel comfortable," Don said about his experience.

On July 17, 2024, Don underwent successful open-heart surgery at Hannibal Regional Heart Center. Reflecting on this experience he said: “I was so impressed with Dr. Torres and his team." He praised the post-surgery care saying it was stellar compared to larger hospitals where he previously received treatment.

By September 2024, two months after surgery, Don returned to work in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa feeling much better than before the procedure when he often struggled to stay awake while driving home from work due to fatigue caused by his condition.

Don remains under the care of both Drs Mannem and Kodali for ongoing management of his general heart health and PVCs respectively which are now controlled with medication.

"The care at Hannibal Regional was incredible," Don expressed gratitude towards everyone involved in his treatment journey highlighting timely intervention's importance in not only addressing immediate health issues but also improving life quality overall.

For more information about services offered at Hannibal Regional Heart Center call (573) 629-3960