All Things Heart- Heart Disease Leads to Stroke, One Man’s Battle for Health

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Jill Chadwick

News Director

Office: (913) 588-5013

Cell: (913) 223-3974

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jchadwick@kumc.edu

Kansas City, Kan- Richard Purvis, a man with a family history of heart disease, experienced a stroke at 31 due to a 95% blocked artery. Despite bypass surgery at 31 and another at 41, he suffered a stroke in 2024 while working. His coworkers recognized the signs, and Dr. Michael Abraham removed a large clot from his brain.

Richard emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups, especially for those with a family history. Dr. Madhu Reddy and Dr. Michael Abraham discuss the role of genetics in heart disease and the significance of early intervention.

They highlight that 25% of strokes involve clots traveling from the heart to the brain and stress the importance of a healthy lifestyle and regular medical screenings.

Richard Purvis, Stroke and Heart Disease Patient

  • Richard Purvis shares his family history of heart disease, including his grandfather and father dying at 47 from heart-related issues.
  • Richard emphasizes the importance of men getting regular health check-ups, especially those with a family history of heart disease.

 

Dr. Madhu Reddy, Electrophysiologist Cardiologist, The University of Kansas Health System  

  • Dr. Reddy discusses the role of genetics in heart disease, noting that it is one of the top five risk factors.
  • He emphasizes the importance of early screening and regular check-ups for those with a family history of heart disease.

 

Dr. Michael Abraham, Neuro Interventional Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System

  • Dr. Abraham explains that most large clots in the brain come from the heart, as seen in Richard's case.
  • He discusses the limitations of stents in preventing long-term blockages and the need for ongoing monitoring.