The Unseen Battle: Phil Passen’s Journey from Active Lifestyle to Heart Surgery
For decades, Phil Passen was the epitome of health and vitality. An avid runner and boxer, he logged dozens of miles each week, participated in competitions, and balanced the demands of parenting his 9-year-old daughter with a career in finance. To the outside world, he was fit and healthy, a model of what it means to lead an active lifestyle. However, a routine check-up at NYU Langone Health would soon reveal a shocking truth that would change the course of his life.
A Shocking Diagnosis
During his yearly physical, Passen’s primary care physician detected an abnormal heart murmur. Although he felt fine and had no alarming symptoms, the physician referred him for further testing as a precaution. Initial tests, including a stress test, did not reveal any immediate concerns. However, an ultrasound would uncover a congenital heart condition that had gone unnoticed for years: a bicuspid aortic valve.
A bicuspid aortic valve is a condition where the aortic valve has only two leaflets instead of the usual three. This anomaly can lead to calcification, narrowing the valve and impeding proper blood flow. At the time of diagnosis in 2016, Passen’s condition was not severe enough to warrant immediate intervention, so he entered a "wait-and-see" phase, committing to annual cardiology check-ups to monitor his heart health.
The Wait-and-See Approach
Passen approached his diagnosis with a pragmatic mindset. "I kind of had to put my mind in the frame of ‘OK, this is something that needs to be monitored, and I can’t mess around with it,’" he recalled. He was determined to stay vigilant about any symptoms that might arise. However, life took an unexpected turn in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the Passen family relocated to Miami, Florida.
During the early months of the pandemic, many people, including Passen, avoided medical appointments. According to the American Medical Association, 41% of individuals reported missing healthcare appointments during this time. Passen, who continued to run 25 to 30 miles a week without experiencing any alarming symptoms, found himself in a precarious situation. For three years, he missed his regular check-ups, believing that his active lifestyle was enough to keep him healthy.
The Unexpected News
In April 2023, Passen finally made an appointment with a new doctor in Florida, only to receive the news he had dreaded. "They said to me, ‘You need immediate surgery on your heart valve.’ This was the last thing I was expecting," he shared. The urgency of the situation hit him hard; this was no longer an elective procedure but a life-altering moment that required immediate action.
Seeking a Second Opinion
Faced with the prospect of surgery, Passen sought a second opinion from his former cardiology team at NYU Langone. After an initial consultation, he learned that surgery would be necessary in the coming months. During a follow-up appointment with Dr. Mark Peterson, the director of aortic surgery at NYU Langone, Passen was presented with several surgical options.
The two most common procedures each had significant downsides. One option involved replacing the aortic valve with an animal-sourced valve, which would likely need replacement after about ten years. The other option was a prosthetic valve made from pyrolytic carbon, but this would require lifelong blood thinners and would limit his ability to engage in contact sports, ultimately impacting his life expectancy.
The Ross Procedure: A Complicated Solution
Dr. Peterson introduced Passen to a third option: the Ross procedure. This complex surgery involves replacing the aortic valve with the patient’s own pulmonary valve, while the pulmonary valve is replaced with a donor valve. "The Ross procedure is obviously a little more complicated than a standard tissue or mechanical valve replacement, but that short-term, more involved operation pays dividends over the long term," Peterson explained. The procedure would restore Passen’s life expectancy and allow him to avoid blood thinners.
After weighing the risks and benefits, Passen decided to proceed with the Ross procedure. "I just decided it was worth doing the more complicated surgery and lowering the risk of having to have another operation, even in 10 years," he said. He approached the surgery with the same dedication he applied to his athletic training, maintaining his exercise regimen in the months leading up to the operation.
A Smooth Recovery
The Ross procedure, which took about four hours, went smoothly. Within two hours of waking up from surgery, Passen was already walking laps in the intensive care unit. Just two and a half days later, he was discharged from the hospital.
Now, nearly six months post-surgery, Passen is back to running regularly and even enjoyed a family vacation in France over the summer. He credits the Ross procedure for his rapid recovery and for enabling him to return to the activities he loves.
A Call to Action
Passen’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups, especially as we age. "Once you’re above 40, you should be not only getting a yearly physical checkup, but you should have your heart checked as well," Dr. Peterson advises. Many heart conditions can remain undetected until they become serious, but early detection can lead to better outcomes.
Phil Passen’s story is not just about overcoming a health scare; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of proactive health management. His experience underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring our health, encouraging others to take charge of their well-being before it’s too late.