A college student thought he had heartburn, but it turned out to be a life-threatening aortic dissection caused by undiagnosed Marfan syndrome. In this episode of All Things Heart, The University of Kansas Health System shares the story of Nicholas Counts, who collapsed just weeks before graduating from KU and woke up in the hospital after emergency open heart surgery. Nicholas joins cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Tyler Zorn, emergency physician Dr. Brandon Ricke, and cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Gustello who helped get him air-lifted to The University of Kansas Health System for surgery to repair his aorta. The conversation covers aortic dissection symptoms, how to tell the difference between heartburn and a serious heart emergency, what happens during aortic dissection surgery, and why genetic testing can be important after a rare cardiac event. Doctors also explain how Marfan syndrome affects connective tissue and why some people may not show the typical outward signs.

Robert Frias was extremely sick- a heart transplant changed his life. He's here with his doctors to reveal what it's like to go through a transplant and discuss his quality of life on the other side.

Manuel Romo lost his twin brother, sister, and mother to a genetic condition no one knew they had. Years later, a new diagnosis and lifesaving heart surgery revealed the true cause—and gave him a future. Manuel joins specialists from The University of Kansas Health System to discuss Loeys-Dietz syndrome, monitoring hidden heart risks, and the importance of speaking up, getting checked, and listening to the people who love you.