Patient Success Stories

At 60 years old, Mike Langworthy, from Brookville, Indiana, lives a full and active life. He spends his days tending to his five horses, eight dogs, and 30 goats on his farm, riding his motorcycle, and enjoying time on the water. But just a year ago, everything changed with a surprise diagnosis—and a life‑saving surgery that brought him back to the things he loves.

• A routine checkup revealed a silent congenital heart defect, bicuspid aortic valve disease, that had gone unnoticed for decades despite Mike’s active lifestyle.
• With close monitoring and timely intervention from UC Health’s cardiovascular team, Mike underwent successful open-heart surgery in July 2024.
• Just one year later, Mike is back to farm life and full strength—crediting UC Health’s boundless care and early diagnosis for his better outcome.

If you or a loved one are seeking care for a heart condition, UC Health’s cardiology team delivers advanced, life-saving care when you need it most. Call (513) 475-8521 to schedule an appointment. 

A Hidden Condition Discovered

Five years ago, what began as a routine checkup turned into something much more serious. Mike’s primary care physician detected a heart murmur—one Mike had never noticed before. Mike recalls with a laugh, “I said no, I don’t. I don’t have any symptoms.” But he said, “Yes, you do,” and scheduled Mike for further diagnostics.

After an echocardiogram, Mike met with Dr. Imran Arif, Director of the Cardiac Cath Lab at UC Health, who confirmed something more serious: Mike had a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital heart defect where the valve that regulates blood flow from the heart to the aorta has only two flaps instead of three.

“It’s a birth defect I never knew I had,” Mike says. “I was in the military, very active—running, lifting, always on the move. So, it just never showed itself.”

“Bicuspid aortic valve disease can be silent for years,” said Dr. Arif. “Many patients like Mike don’t experience symptoms until the condition has significantly progressed. That’s why ongoing monitoring and early intervention are so critical—we often catch it just in time to prevent a major event.”

Surgical Intervention and Swift Recovery

Dr. Arif monitored Mike’s condition closely for several years, but as the valve worsened, he recommended that Mike meet with UC Health’s Director of Cardiac Surgery, Dr. Louis Louis.

Mike recalls, “I wasn’t having any real symptoms,” he says. “But after more tests, they said it was time. Surgery was scheduled within the month, on July 11, 2024.”

Mike underwent open‑heart surgery to replace the damaged valve. Despite the seriousness of the procedure, his recovery was swift and smooth.

“When we got into surgery, it was clear that Mike’s valve had significantly deteriorated, more than we initially expected based on his lack of symptoms,” said Dr. Louis. “It speaks to just how deceptive conditions like bicuspid aortic valve can be. The procedure went smoothly, and Mike’s strength and determination played a huge role in how quickly he bounced back.”

“I had the surgery on Thursday and was walking the next day. I was discharged by Monday,” Mike shared. “Everyone—from the nurses to the anesthesiologist to the ICU team—was incredible. I felt like I was genuinely cared for every step of the way.”

Trust, Family, and Boundless Care

Mike chose UC Health not only for its reputation, but also because of a personal connection—his wife had worked there and trusted the team. That trust paid off.

“Dr. Arif knew exactly what was going on. He even made sure my kids got tested because this can run in families. And when it came time for surgery, Dr. Louis and his team explained everything in detail. I felt fully supported.”

This “boundless care” mindset—combining expert clinical skill with compassionate support—meant that Mike never felt alone through the process.

One Year Later: Better Outcomes in Action

Today, Mike says he’s “at 100%” and back to doing what he loves. “I might not be lifting weights anymore, but I can walk as far as I ever could. I’m working on the farm, riding my motorcycle, and enjoying life. That’s what matters.”

His advice for others facing a similar diagnosis?

“Don’t ignore it. Educate yourself and take it seriously—even if you feel fine. And if you need care, UC Health is where you want to be. I never once felt like I was on my own.”

As Mike celebrates his one‑year heart surgery anniversary this July, he’s not just celebrating a successful operation—he’s celebrating getting back to life with better outcomes thanks to early detection, expert care, and unwavering support.

Need expert care for a heart condition? UC Health’s cardiovascular team offers advanced, life-saving treatment when it matters most. Call (513) 475-8521 to schedule your appointment.