Columbus man shares journey of heart care with Bryan Health

Dr. Tussendorf shares the importance of Heart Health during American Heart Month.

COLUMBUS, Neb. (KLKN) – Today local Columbus man Don Brockhaus shared his journey of heart care with Bryan Health.

SEE ALSO: February is American Heart Month and Bryan Health is supporting healthy hearts

Brockhaus visited his primary care physician for a check-up, two-years ago.  During his exam his doctor discovered a heart murmur.

Brockhaus was referred to Dr. Todd Tessendorf, a cardiologist at Bryan Heart.

Tessendorf detected an abnormality and reached out to Dr. Robert Oakes, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Bryan Heart to discuss the severity of Brockhaus’ heart condition.

Dr. Oakes suggested surgery immediately based on the condition of Brockhaus.

Brockhaus and his wife Mary traveled to Lincoln overnight to prepare for surgery the following morning.

Brockhaus underwent an aortic valve replacement with the procedure occurring without incident.

Dr. Tessendorf encourages everyone to get routine check-ups and consult with their primary care physician about preventative heart health screenings.

“Heart disease is the number one killer of the United States… That out beats cancer, out beats Covid right now which is on everybody’s mind so… It’s still really important to get routine screening with your family physician,” said Tessendorf.