Larry Slagle received a heart transplant in 1995. Without a new heart, doctors say he would not have lived to see 1996.
WASHINGTON Larry Slagle knew heart issues ran in his family. His father died from heart-related problems at just 62 years old. As an active cyclist living a healthy lifestyle, Slagle says he wasn't too worried about his own heart.
But it was around the same age, doctors diagnosed him with heart failure too. It was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart disease that causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it harder to pump blood.
Slagle was on the heart transplant list for about eight months before he got the call. A new heart was available after a tragic motorcycle accident in 1995.
"At the time I was transplanted you werent put in contact with the donor family. Ive never been able to thank them. But I just feel so incredibly grateful to them," said Slagle.
Dr. Samer Najjar, MD is Slagle's doctor at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He is the Medical Director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program.
"At the time of the familys grief, when they knew they were about to lose their loved one, they made the courageous decision to say you know what, were going to do something good out of this tragedy and were going to donate these organs," said Dr. Najjar.
That decision and generosity from the donor's family saved Slagle's life. Just 90 days after his surgery, he was back on a bicycle, continuing to lead the active lifestyle that came to a halt after his diagnosis.
"You cant waste a gift like that. Youve got to take advantage of it and theres not a day I dont feel gratitude," said the now, 86 year old.
Doctors said medicine has come such a long way, making it possible for heart transplant patients to live much longer lives.
"In 2021, on average, the life expectancy after a heart transplant is about 14 years. He would have not made it to 1996 without a heart transplant. So this is the definition of the gift of life," said Dr. Najjar.
There isn't one single thing that leads to heart failure. It can be anything from genetics, to a heart attack, to long-standing blood pressure, according to doctors. Experts said sometimes there aren't any signs or symptoms of early heart failure. That's why it is incredibly important to pay attention to any changes in your body, no matter how small.
"If someone is developing shortness of breath, if someone is developing swelling in their legs, those are the type of symptoms people shouldnt just ignore," said Dr. Najjar.
Doctors said the public knows quite a bit about hypertension, stroke and heart attacks. But there is not as much awareness about heart failure, even though it is a rapidly growing problem.
Slagle believes eating well and exercising has kept his heart going for the last 25 years.
"These patients really get to understand that we don't always get a second chance at life. And these people take it to heart, no pun intended, and they try to make the best out of it," said Dr. Najjar.
Read the rest here:
'The gift of life' | For 25 years, someone else's heart is beating in his chest - WUSA9.com
- Amway hosts campaign on wellness of women [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- 'Our products support a healthy lifestyle' [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- Sport touted as the best medicine against heart disease [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- The Doctor Is In: We are what we eat: More evidence proving that mainly plant-based diet is best [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- HEALTHY LIVING | 8 ways to keep healthy this summer [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- Healthy lifestyle emphasized at annual Commit to B-Fit fair [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- Simple Ways to Live a Healthy Lifestyle - About.com Exercise [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- IDLIFE can help you become a healthy YOU! - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- WEEK FULL OF EPICNESS! (VLOG #34) - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle |Ventura County - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2014]
- YMCA trying to fix Marion Countys poor health rating [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2014]
- What Foods Should I Eat? A New Video Launched by Conscious Counselor [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2014]
- Ministry of Health Launched Healthy Lifestyle Programme for Senior Citizens [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2014]
- Health and Wellness Video Assignment - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2014]
- Chia Girl - 4 Rules for Weight Loss & Maintenance (CHIA SEEDS) - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2014]
- Career Hunt SK [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2014]
- Survey shows most people want health education in schools [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2014]
- Marriage Is a Prescription for a Healthy Heart, Study Suggests [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2014]
- PSA - Health Choices - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2014]
- Husse Promo Video Healthy Lifestyle For Dogs - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2014]
- The Guide to an Active and Healthy Lifestyle While Unemployed - #1 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2014]
- Erectile Dysfunction: Healthy Lifestyle Can Reverse Male Impotence Without Medication [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2014]
- Lords of Health:Multipliers of Healthy lifestyle - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2014]
- Comm175 Persuasive Speech - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2014]
- Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito seeks donations for kitchen and garden project at branch in Encinitas [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2014]
- Aljur does more with a healthy lifestyle [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2014]
- ERHS Healthy Lifestyle 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2014]
- [ENG] March Holiday Assignment 2014 - Healthy Lifestyle - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2014]
- People living with diabetes are able to have a healthy lifestyle - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2014]
- Ross Wellness Series - Changing for a heart healthy lifestyle - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2014]
- Alzheimer's Healthy Lifestyle - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2014]
- Bench Tune Up Work Week 4 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2014]
- Simple Ways to Live a Healthy Lifestyle - Exercise - Get ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- CBD System - Creative Body Dynamics - Healthy Lifestyle - Change of Life - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Unicity Bios Life Slim Highly Recommended by Dr. Ira Bloomfield - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Shocking Weight Loss Video - Unicity Bios Life Slim Supplements - Physicians Strongly Recommended - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- A Good Dose Of Morning Sunlight Keeps Off The Pounds: Study [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Up Your Game: Habits To Kick To Stay Healthy - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Healthy lifestyle PR (UNITEN) - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- CADA Launches new Committed Campaign, encouraging teens to be substance free. [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle | Los Angeles CA | tennis tournament california | Southern California Tennis Assoc - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2014]
- **My Healthy Lifestyle: HUGE changes update, Diet, Exercise & Juicing** - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle Lounge Fitness Sessions - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2014]
- Healthy Fontana program receives donation during Doctors Day presentation [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle Key to NCD Prevention [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- 50 Ideas for a Healthy Lifestyle that take 10 Minutes or ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle Rewards 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- Healthy LifeStyle Changes| 21 Day Challenge | How I lost 10lbs in 21 Days | BGW2 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- Prophetess Henrine Gray - Living A Healthy Lifestyle As God - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- How To Maintain Healthy Lifestyle SYTan - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- Cutest, FUNNIEST "Healthy Lifestyle Show" Pilot - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- Accountability Parnters.... my healthy lifestyle journey - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- Bryan College 866.649.2400 - Convert Your Healthy Lifestyle into a Career - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- A Healthy Lifestyle - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- Sam Edney: 4 components of a healthy lifestyle - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- Staying healthy keeps cash in your pocket [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Illustration depicting a sign post with directional arrow containing a healthy lifestyle concept. Bl - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- What things should a healthy lifestyle have in it? - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle Part 3 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Mentoring a healthy lifestyle [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Choose a Healthy Lifestyle - American Heart Association ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- What is a Healthy Lifestyle? - Healthy Lifestyles Living ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Healthy Treasures Online - Learn how to have a healthy lifestyle and living life to the fullest! - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Hua Ho Holds Sports Fair to Promote Active and Healthy Lifestyle [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- How To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle |Riverside County - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- 6 tips on how to start over for a healthy lifestyle - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- Weigh loss and Healthy Lifestyle Update - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- Acidophilus Probiotic And FOS A Mental Health Definition Of A Healthy Lifestyle!! - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- Love'em BIG girl With big Dreams promoting a healthy Lifestyle~ - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle KMS - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- Healthy Lifestyle Starts from the Kitchen with Ms Jean Yeap - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- Sebli: Our responsibility to promote healthy lifestyle [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2014]
- Inspired by champions [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2014]
- Healthy lifestyle regime BENEVITA ES - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2014]
- healthy lifestyle russian project 1080p - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2014]
- Body Transformation | Fitness Motivation - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]