It’s Heart Month, and despite major medical advances, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Doctors say that’s why early detection and treatment are critical.

Arnold Kanov is an active 83-year-old who loves to travel, walks three miles a day and spends time with his large family. But last year, he began feeling slightly off.

“It was one of those gradual things that you don’t notice in the beginning, but I was short of breath,” Kanov said.

At first, he assumed the symptoms were simply part of getting older. But Dr. Tom Nguyen with the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute says age should never stop someone from seeking care.

“I think often times, there’s this fear that maybe I’m too old or too sick, but we’ve made so many advances in medicine now,” Nguyen said. “Even a healthy 83 or 84-year-old, they can do really well after surgery.”

Doctors soon discovered heart surgery was exactly what Kanov needed. A valve that had been replaced in 2010 was leaking.

“The valve that had been replaced in 2010 was leaking, just from its age,” Kanov said. “The normal life expectancy of a valve is 15 years, and I was pushing 16.”

Because of the leaking mitral valve, his heart was pumping blood, but it wasn’t flowing correctly. Kanov underwent delicate surgery in which Nguyen cut through scar tissue to remove the failing valve and replace it.

Nguyen says the lesson is to never ignore even subtle symptoms.

“Sometimes, it can be as simple as I wake up and I’m more tired than usual or I can’t walk as far as usual, and people think it’s the aging process and that’s the way it is,” Nguyen said. “But a lot of times, it’s something we can address and fix and make people feel better.”

That proved true for Kanov.

“Now I feel like I’m in my 40s -- in my head,” he said. “My body says something else, but I’m active, alert. I drive, I do everything, and nothing holds me down.”

Doctors say shortness of breath and fatigue can signal heart trouble. Other warning signs include chest discomfort, dizziness, swelling in the legs or ankles, and even jaw or neck pain. They urge people not to ignore potential symptoms and to seek medical attention early.

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