Jacob, born 2001

Jacob was born a healthy baby boy thirteen years ago. He has grown up to be a great student, a dedicated athlete, and an all-around great person.

 

In May of 2014 during a routine well-child/immunization visit to the pediatrician it was discovered that our son, Jacob had high blood pressure and a heart murmur that had never before been detected. After follow up tests were performed up at OHSU in Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Jacob was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called coarctation of the aorta.  The kink in his aorta was causing very high blood pressure above the kink in his upper body, and simultaneously causing very low blood pressure below the kink leaving his lower extremities in a state that is comparable to dehydration. In fact, the only way Jacob was getting any blood flow beyond his kink, is that he had developed a bunch of small compensatory vessels beginning above the kink and ending below, it was his body's way of adapting to his specific situation in order to get blood flow to the lower portion of his body for 12 years until this point.

 

On July 7th, 2014, the cardiology intervention team at OHSU attempted to open up this kink by adding a stint. At this time, the intervention team discovered that what had been previously considered to be a kink, was virtually disconnected and it would require heart surgery to repair. On September 5th, 2014, Jacob underwent heart surgery. The pediatric cardiac surgical team successfully grafted a carbon based tube in place of the disconnected portion of his aorta. The surgery itself took about 7 hours and his recovery went well. Jacob has since had two subsequent hospitalizations. Both were to remove fluid from his pericardium, which is the lining around the heart.

 

He is doing great now and has since gotten all caught up in school with his peers and just finished up playing spring and summer baseball. Although his aorta is now functioning normally because the structure was repaired, Jacob continues to have high blood pressure and will likely have to work with a cardiologist for his entire life in order to keep his blood pressure within a healthy range. Had Jacob's condition continued to go on undiscovered/ untreated, we could have lost him. Jacob really wants to help others who may be in danger of having a heart condition by reminding everyone to check their blood pressure regularly.   Detecting high blood pressure saved Jacob's life and it could save the life of someone you love as well. Jacob advocates for heart health awareness now, he has even designed his own Nike shoes & apparel!!

 

Story by Jacob's mom, Janice - Oregon