What was supposed to be a relaxing vacation turned out to be a critical point for Terry Furrh’s health. The 71-year-old optometrist experienced a medical emergency while traveling that ultimately led to the diagnosis of heart valve disease.
What was supposed to be a relaxing vacation turned out to be a critical point for Terry Furrh’s health. The 71-year-old optometrist experienced a medical emergency while traveling that ultimately led to the diagnosis of heart valve disease.
During American Heart Month, Furrh is sharing his story to raise awareness about heart health and the importance of early detection.
An unexpected turn of events
Terry has always maintained an active and healthy lifestyle, participating in various sports including golf, hiking and skiing.
“I’ve been an athlete all my life," Terry said. “I was never sick and most certainly didn’t have any issues that pertained to my heart.”
That perception changed during a trip to Cabo, Mexico, with his wife and friends. While playing golf one afternoon, Terry suddenly passed out while retrieving a ball on the green.
"It was a beautiful day, no heat and a light cool breeze,” he recalled. “Next thing I knew, I woke up with the golf ball still in my hand, confused about what happened.”
Terry spent the next 24 hours in a local emergency department before returning to the resort to finish his vacation.
The diagnosis
Once back home, Terry followed up with his nurse practitioner, who detected a heart murmur. This discovery led to an appointment with Jeffrey Sparling, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital.
“Terry’s experience is a powerful reminder that heart disease doesn’t always come with obvious warning signs,” Sparling said. “Even patients who are active and feel healthy can have underlying valve disease. Detecting the murmur early allowed us to move quickly with testing and develop the right treatment plan before more serious complications occurred.”
Further testing revealed Terry had aortic valve stenosis, a heart valve disease in which the heart valve is narrowed and doesn’t fully open, reducing or blocking blood flow from the heart to the aorta and the rest of the body.
“I could hardly speak after hearing the diagnosis,” Terry said. “My wife had to talk for me because I was just in shock.”
Treatment and recovery
As part of his treatment plan, Terry received a pacemaker under the care of Richard Lane, M.D., a cardiac electrophysiologist at INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital.
“A pacemaker helps regulate the heart’s rhythm and ensures it beats at a safe and consistent rate,” Lane said. “In Terry’s case, his valve disease was affecting the heart’s electrical system and likely contributed to his fainting episode. He was fortunate to return from Cabo and receive a diagnosis so quickly, which allowed us to intervene early.”
After continued monitoring, Terry’s care team determined that a heart valve replacement would be the next step in his treatment. The procedure was performed by Dr. Sparling and Craig Elkins, M.D., a cardiovascular surgeon with INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital.
On the day of his procedure, Terry says a moment shared with his care team brought unexpected comfort. “The team and my wife stood by my bed and prayed,” he said. “I'd never experienced that before. It was an emotional time for me.”
The valve replacement was successful, and Terry was discharged the next day. The follow-up tests showed positive results, and he was able to transition back to daily life with confidence.
“I value what this team has done, especially their professionalism and compassion,” Terry said. “I’m fortunate and lucky to have been given a second chance.”
American Heart Month
As part of American Heart Month, INTEGRIS Health encourages Oklahomans to schedule a Heart Scan to get a clear picture of your heart’s health. For more information, visit integrishealth.org/hearthospital or call 405-948-4040 to schedule with one of our cardiologists.
