Patient Stories
People come from across the region, the nation, and the world seeking care for heart disease at Mount Sinai. Our medical experts use the most advanced methods available to treat a wide range of illnesses, from chronic arrhythmia to a sudden heart attack. Many of our patients have stories that confirm the strong and valued commitment we have to quality care. Read more about their experiences.
A Father-to-Be Has a Heart Attack, Unaware, and Receives Life-Saving Heart Surgery at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital
February 2024
In March 2023, Reish Baboolal, a 51-year-old patient care associate at Mount Sinai West, underwent successful heart bypass surgery at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, just months before he became a father for the first time
After a Heart Attack and 5 Months in the ICU, Brooklyn Grandfather Receives a Life-Saving Heart Transplant
February 2024
In November 2023, Carlos Toro, a 57-year-old grandfather from Brooklyn, received a successful heart transplant at the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital
Mount Sinai Patient Is First in the State to Receive Newly Approved Dual-Chamber Wireless Pacemaker
February 2024
Christopher Rutz, 69, has been given a new lease of life after the insertion of a new type of pacemaker
After an Acute Heart Attack, a Queens Man’s Life Is Saved at the Mount Sinai Queens Cardiac Catheterization Lab
November 2023
Dimitrios Sotiropoulos, 48, suffered an acute heart attack and was taken just in time to the Mount Sinai Queens Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Severely Challenged by a Heart Disorder and COVID-19, a Young Woman is Living to Her “Fullest Extent” After Advanced Ross Procedure
July 2023
After overcoming life-threatening complications from COVID-19, Claire Bridges underwent transformative heart surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital.
A Mount Sinai Cardiologist’s Colleagues Save His Life
June 2023
William Schwartz, MD, Clinical Director of Ambulatory Cardiology at Mount Sinai Queens, was saved by his own medical team when he suffered a life threatening heart attack
Intervention Energized His Life and Attitude – Alan Sclar’s Story
May 2023
Alan Sclar, 56, had no external signs of heart disease - but a check up in 2021 led to a life saving minimally invasive heart procedure by Dr. Samin Sharma and to long term changes to his lifestyle.
A 9/11 First Responder and Former Detective Survives Cancer and Heart Failure
April 2023
Frank Thomas, 57, is the definition of “New York Strong.” For 23 years, he was a New York City Police detective. He even worked 12-hour shifts doing recovery at Ground Zero after 9/11.
Successful, High-Risk Delivery to a Mom With a Complex Congenital Heart Condition
March 2023
With the care of a specialist team at Mount Sinai Hospital, Alyssa Simela, a 34-year-old with tricuspid atresia, safely delivered a healthy baby, and was treated for severe heart complications just after the birth.
Message from a Patient on the Mend: Learn to Take Care of Yourself and Your Heart
February 2022
A mother recovering from heart failure, wants others to learn from her story.
Routine Urine Test Leads to Life-Saving Treatment for a Cancer-Related Heart Condition
December 2022
Helen Sturm went for her annual checkup expecting a clean bill of health, but one test result would permanently change her life and lead to expert, multi-disciplinary care at The Mount Sinai Hospital
How a Busy New York Attorney Recovered From Heart Failure, Teaming With Mount Sinai Heart
December 2022
In August 2019, Holly Weiss, a busy 53-year-old New York attorney, had just returned from a day of business travel when she started to feel shortness of breath and a worrying increase in her heart rate.
A Teenager From Ukraine Receives Life-Saving Procedure at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital
December 2022
Sofiia Baturina was just 16 when she left her hometown of Severodonetsk for a dangerous journey to escape war-torn Ukraine, finally receiving life saving care at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital in New York.
Collaborative Care at Mount Sinai Treats a Young Man with a Life-Threatening Heart and Blood Condition
October 2022
Sarosh Mawani was only 25 years old when he was diagnosed with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) a rare blood disorder that was damaging his heart.
Life Looks Rosy 30 Years After Heart Transplant at Mount Sinai
October 2022
Lore Schoenfeld, now 84, recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of her heart transplant
Running a Marathon: A Dream Fulfilled After Treatment for Congenital Heart Defect
August 2022
Experts at the Mount Sinai Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center help Travis check off a bucket list item.
Blurry Vision and Seeing Spots Could Be Eye Stroke, Not a Migraine
August 2022
Surprise eye stroke diagnosis leaves patient eager to raise awareness of symptoms, and grateful for the care at Mount Sinai.
Second Chapter at Life for Young Stroke Patient at Mount Sinai
May 2022
Areti Boukas, a 28 year old teacher, was in the middle of a math lesson when she began slurring her words and felt dizzy. She received lifesaving care at Mount Sinai Queens.
One Hispanic Man’s Journey to Acceptance for a Heart Transplant at Mount Sinai
May 2022
Heart failure specialist, Johanna Contreras, MD says it is vitally important to correct disparities in the Hispanic community, who are at a higher risk for heart disease and heart failure
Broadway Actor Finds Support through the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center at Mount Sinai
May 2022
Born with a heart condition called truncus arteriosus led Alex to the adult congenital heart disease experts at Mount Sinai
When Expectant Mother Has a Heart Tumor, Two Mount Sinai Hospital Departments Collaborate to Save Two Lives
April 2022
A routine EKG and follow-up ultrasound detected a very rare myxoma tumor, which was successfully removed in open-heart surgery
Dad Gets New Heart and Recovers in Time for Father’s Day Celebration
August 20, 2021
Congenital heart disease patient undergoes successful transplant performed by world-renowned team at Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Heals One of Their Own With Advanced Atrial Fibrillation Therapy
July 26, 2021
Advent National Clinical Trial Launched in New York City at Mount Sinai; immunologist Sergio Lira, MD, one of first participants, is successfully treated.
Don’t Delay When It Comes to Your Heart Says Mount Sinai Cardiologist
June 29, 2021
Eric Masella recovers from life-threatening heart failure at Mount Sinai thanks to quick action by Anu Lala, MD.
Gospel Singer Gets Her Heart Health Under Control at The Mount Sinai Hospital
June 11, 2021
After a heart failure diagnosis, medical treatments and a program of lifestyle modifications helped Tameeka Edwards get heart healthy.
Staten Island Grandmother Undergoes Rare Heart Surgery at Mount Sinai—And Recovers for Mother’s Day
June 1, 2021
Aortic surgeons at Mount Sinai Heart Morningside proceed with minimally invasive method to treat life-threatening aortic aneurysm
A Congenital Heart Disease Patient Puts His Trust in Mount Sinai
May 25, 2021
After three open heart surgeries for Michael Pernick, Mount Sinai Cardia Catheterization Lab experts performed a successful minimally invasive valve replacement.
Grateful Mount Sinai Patient Speaks Out for Heart Health in the Black Community
April 19, 2021
Sharon Bond received reassuring second opinion from experts at the Helmsley Center for Electrophysiology at Mount Sinai Hospital
Feeling “Blessed” for Life-Saving Heart Transplant Amid Pandemic, Thanks to Team at The Mount Sinai Hospital
March 26, 2021
After successfully recovering from a 10-hour surgery performed by Anelechi Anyanwu, MD, Rovin Mahadeo was grateful to celebrate his 40th birthday
Patient with Congenital Heart Disease Beats the Odds, and Has Her Dream Wedding
March 15, 2021
Thanks to expert care by Mount Sinai Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center’s medical team, Ana Ortiz is living a full and active life.
Rare Heart Condition Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in New Mom Successfully Treated at The Mount Sinai Hospital
February 25, 2021
Twins thriving after NICU stay and mom doing well with medication and diet changes, overseen by heart expert, Anuradha Lala, MD.
10-Year-Old Thriving After “Ross Procedure” at Mount Sinai Hospital Repairs Congenital Heart Condition
February 18, 2021
After researching diligently, parents discovered world leader in aortic reconstructive surgery, Ismail El-Hamamsy, MD
After Successful Mitral Valve Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital, She Reaches Every Goal, Including Turning 60
January 14, 2021
To find the best possible care, doctors, friends, and even a hospital CEO were consulted; all pointed to David Adams, MD, and team.
Trust in Mount Sinai Health System Adult Congenital Heart Disease Experts Helps Patient Navigate High-Risk Pregnancy
January 11, 2021
Natalie Muniz delivered a healthy baby safely thanks to treatment from Ali Zaidi, MD and team.
Dog-Walking Encounter Leads to Heart-Saving Miracle
November 6, 2020
Finding Expert Cardiology Care at Mount Sinai Results in Happy Ending for National Meteorologist.
From a Pandemic-Mandated Virtual Visit to Mitral Valve Surgery and Back to Workouts
October 9, 2020
Janice Benjamin “loved” David Adams, MD, despite having to meet him by telehealth due to COVID-19. Successful mitral valve surgery followed.
Patient Gets a Second Chance at an Active Life After Heart Attack While Running
September 21, 2020
Verissimo Costa underwent a highly unique procedure, called TECAB, which uses micro-incisions for a quicker recovery and less pain.
Quick Recovery After TECAB, an Advanced Heart Procedure
September 21, 2020
Skip Vichness is back to the golf course after undergoing an innovative, endoscopic robotic heart procedure.
A Tiny Heart. A Big Victory During COVID-19.
September 4, 2020
After spending most of her life as a hospital patient, nine-month-old Baby Alexandra went home with a new heart-one of the few pediatric heart transplants in New York since COVID-19 began.
Overcoming Fears of COVID-19, He Has Life-Saving Heart Surgery 2,500 Miles From Home
August 14, 2020
Hospital Idaho native Jeff Street is back to one of his favorite activities – cycling - after successful aortic valve surgery at Mount Sinai
A Heart Patient and COVID-19 Survivor Donates to Help Others Before His Own Life-Saving Treatment
July 14, 2020
Heart patient Alan Fein was unable to donate a kidney in the past, but having survived COVID-19, he was able to donate plasma, just before his own life-saving heart surgery.
Putting COVID-19 Fear Aside, Chowean Johnson Gets Life-Saving Heart Stent and Feels “Better Than Ever”
July 13, 2020
Chowean Johnson has no regrets about not delaying heart surgery in the midst of a pandemic. His advice? “The consequences outweigh the risk.”
Grandmother Gets a New Heart, and Stays Free of COVID-19, Thanks to Caring and Careful Mount Sinai Team
July 10, 2020
Elma Lowe underwent a heart transplant at Mount Sinai Hospital just as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold in NYC. But, thanks to the precautions taken by her medical team, she stayed free of COVID-19 during her months of post-transplant care.
Overcoming Hospital Fears During Pandemic, He Has Timely Heart Intervention
July 6, 2020
Deepak Gulati was frightened to go to the Emergency Department during an apparent heart attack due to concerns about COVID-19. Convinced to go by his wife and cardiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, he had successful heart surgery just in the nick of time.
Giving Birth and Undergoing Heart Surgery During COVID-19, Mom Grateful to be Reunited with New Daughter and Husband
July 1, 2020
Yulia Nurikyan gave birth to new daughter, immediately followed by successful life-saving heart surgery. Unable to see her new child or husband for a week due to COVID-19 restrictions, she was overjoyed to see them again.
As COVID-19 Restrictions Ease, Grateful Heart Patient Receives Urgent Surgery
June 8, 2020
Thomas Marshall, 65, was planning to have coronary artery bypass surgery at Mount Sinai Morningside in early April due to signs of worsening coronary artery disease. But those plans were derailed when the COVID-19 pandemic forced New York hospitals to close down non-emergency services for anything but treatment for the virus.
A Multidisciplinary Cardiology Team Removes Massive Aortic Aneurysm
March 29, 2018
During a routine exam, Claire had an abnormal EKG. Her physician said her condition wasn't life-threatening and advised her to make an appointment with a cardiologist.