WEST FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A West Fargo man is recovering from life-saving heart surgery after his youngest son urged him to reschedule a crucial medical scan, a decision doctors say saved his life
Dan Gerriets, 48, was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition that led to a dangerously enlarged and leaking aorta.
Gerriets has a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), a condition affecting 1% to 2% of the population, where the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the usual three. This often goes undiagnosed until later in life, as was the case for Gerriets, who learned of his BAV in his 30’s and an enlarged aorta in 2019.
“Imagine a water balloon. You fill it too much and it bursts,” explained Dr. Charles Canver, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Essentia Health-Fargo. “If an aneurysm ruptures, the mortality rate is 90%.”
The two-part valve forced Gerriets’ heart to work harder, allowing blood to leak backward instead of moving efficiently through the body’s largest artery. He began experiencing extreme fatigue last year, struggling with simple tasks like climbing stairs.
His primary care provider at Essentia Health-West Fargo Clinic recommended a CT scan. Gerriets initially scheduled it for late December 2025, but his son, Isaiah, facing his own surgery, convinced his father to move up the appointment.
That decision proved critical. The CT scan revealed his aneurysm had grown significantly and was leaking. “Because of his genetic condition, Dan’s heart was working at about 60%,” Dr. Canver said. “His aneurysm was close to rupture, and we had no time to wait.”
On Nov. 12, 2025, Dr. Canver performed surgery, replacing Gerriets’ aortic root and valve and sealing the aneurysm. Doctors later told Gerriets’ wife, Patty, that he likely would not have survived until his original December appointment.
“Knowing this changes your outlook on life,” Gerriets said, crediting his son for his survival. He is now undergoing cardiac rehabilitation and reports feeling “a billion times better.” Gerriets encourages other men to prioritize their heart health.
“They gave me a second life, and it feels fantastic,” he said. “You’ve got a lot of folks who care about you, and you’ve only got one life. Live it the best you can.”
Essentia Health is reminding everyone February is American Heart Month. They say this is a good time to review your heart health by scheduling recommended screenings and consider lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
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