Mitral Valve Surgery Keeps Yaneth Living the American Dream
An active mom and restaurant owner, Yaneth Ramos placed her loved ones' well-being before her own. When a doctor detected a heart murmur, Virtua cardiologists ensured she received the best treatment for her mitral valve prolapse so she could safely return to her busy life.
Yaneth Ramos is living the American dream. Immigrating from Puebla, Mexico at age 14, she built a life in New Jersey—getting married, having four children, and running two successful restaurants with her family.
Like many busy moms, Yaneth placed her loved ones' well-being before her own. After all, aside from gestational diabetes during her pregnancies, she thought she was in pretty good health.
"It was 2023, and time for a checkup. I felt good, so I said no, I don't have the time. My husband finally said he would make my appointment," said the 39-year-old Cherry Hill resident. "When I went, my family doctor said you have a murmur. We need to take a look at it because it doesn't sound good."
Tests Reveal Mitral Valve Prolapse
Virtua cardiologist Hafeza Shaikh, DO, FACC, said there was reason to be concerned. A type of ultrasound called transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the murmur was a sign of mitral valve prolapse, a condition in which the valve's flaps bulge upward into the left atrium instead of closing evenly. As a result, blood can leak backward through the valve.
Common symptoms of mitral valve prolapse include a rapid heartbeat, chest discomfort, and fatigue.
"It was so significant, I'm surprised she didn't have symptoms—and that it hadn't been detected earlier," said Dr. Shaikh.
In many instances, mitral valve prolapse does not impact your health and requires no treatment. A valve with significant leakage, however, can lead to shortness of breath, heart rhythm problems—like atrial fibrillation—heart failure, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Dr. Shaikh told Yaneth she likely needed heart surgery to correct the problem.
"It was a shock. I didn't have any symptoms," said Yaneth. "I have four kids. I worried about them. They'll always need their mom."
'A Successful Story'
In June 2023, Virtua cardiothoracic surgeon Chun (Dan) Choi, MD, repaired Yaneth's valve, trimming excess tissue from the flaps to help them seal tightly and adding a ringlike collar at the base for support, stabilization, and connection to the heart.
Dr. Choi also closed her left atrial appendage, a section of the heart where blood clots can form and possibly cause a stroke.
After a short stay at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Yaneth went home to complete her recovery. She also attended cardiopulmonary rehabilitation to strengthen her heart and lung health.
"I signed up for a gym. Doing my exercises and changing my diet, I lost 25 pounds," she said. "That helped me a lot after recovery from surgery."
Echoed Dr. Shaikh, "She had a great outcome that will make a difference in her quality of life for a long time."
Today, you'll find Yaneth helping to run the El Mariachi San Lucas and Siena restaurants in Voorhees and spending time with her husband, Alejandro, and children Marceli, Alexander, Mateo, and Lucas.
"I feel great," she said. "I do everything that I did before and more. It's a successful story."
Your Heart, Our Focus
Your heart valves are essential in keeping your blood flows in the right direction and ensuring you feel your best. Schedule an appointment with a Virtua cardiologist or call 888-847-8823.
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