Genesis Heart & Vascular Services Gives JoAnn the Energy to Do More

JoAnn Grubb had been active her whole life. But the shortness of breath caused by her narrowing aortic valve was slowing her down. “We’d been following my heart valve problem for a couple of years and finally it was at a place where it had to be replaced,” said JoAnn. She went to Genesis HealthCare System to see cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Dinesh Bhaskaran on the advice of her regular cardiologist, Dr. Abdulhay Albirini.

Aortic stenosis occurs when the main artery carrying blood from the heart does not open fully. Dr. Bhaskaran confirmed that JoAnn’s aorta was significantly narrowed and recommended surgery to replace it. While she might have gone a few years without the surgery, her quality of life would have been diminished and eventually her heart would have given out.

JoAnn was very pleased with Dr. Bhaskaran’s demeanor and chose him for the operation. With the exception of a heart transplant, Genesis can perform any cardiac procedure available in a larger hospital, including open heart surgery.

Surgery Is Scheduled

The surgery went as expected, but was followed that evening by unexplained seizures. However, a neurologist saw her quickly and JoAnn recovered quickly. Having a complete staff on hand is one of the reasons Genesis provides leading health care, said Dr. Bhaskaran. “We have high-risk patients and our excellent full-time intensive care staff is here 24 hours a day, including surgeons. Not many places in the country, especially not community hospitals, can say that.” 

Active Once More

Today, JoAnn is back to her old self, taking daily walks, going to Zanesville High School basketball games and planning trips with her husband, Jim. “She is a go-getter,” said Dr. Bhaskaran. “She’s 82-years-old, but she just didn’t want to sit around and be sick.” For her part, JoAnn was so pleased with her care that she posted a thank-you in the local newspaper. “I’m doing better with shortness of breath, which was my major symptom before the surgery,” she said. “Now I can walk farther and do more without having to sit down and catch my breath.”

Get the Best Care For Your Heart

Genesis Heart Services is close to home and is the region's only hospital with accreditations for chest pain treatment and congestive heart failure (CHF). Genesis is the first hospital in the nation to be granted atrial fibrillation certification. Genesis has a full range of heart care services, and our quality ranks among the highest in the state and country ... so you know your heart is in good hands.