Managing Heart Disease: 78-Year-Old's Long Battle and Breakthrough
When Thethel Locke, a 78-year-old Iowa resident, was told he needed a valve replacement, he wasn't paralyzed by fear. He was focused on the next step. Having a congenital heart condition monitored for decades, Locke found strength not just in his expert medical team at UnityPoint Health but also in the comforting, reliable care he received right in his community.
While Locke’s heart condition was present since birth, there are specific, elevated risks for heart disease that impact the Black community.
Understanding the Risk: Heart Health in the Black Community
Higher Hypertension Rates
Black adults in the U.S. have higher rates of high blood pressure, and it often develops earlier and is more severe compared to other populations. High blood pressure is a major factor in heart failure and stroke, too.
Riskier Health Outcomes
Black patients often experience higher rates of heart attack and death related to heart disease. This makes building a strong, consistent relationship with a trusted local care team — like Locke did — critical.
The Warning Signs: When Slowing Down was More Than Just Aging
For years, Locke's bicuspid valve (a birth defect where his heart had two valves instead of the usual three) had been monitored by his doctors. He admits he initially ignored the subtle signs that it was failing.
The most noticeable symptom came during an international trip.
"I was always behind the group," Locke recalled, referring to a hilly vacation in Rome. "I just couldn't walk. I didn't realize my heart was the problem."
Because Locke had already cut back on strenuous activities at home, the escalating heart problem didn't interfere with his daily life until the symptoms were extreme.
The Decision: Focusing on the Benefit, Not the Fear
Locke’s long relationship with his care team, including both his primary care doctor and cardiologist, gave him immense confidence when the time came for surgery. His primary care doctor had been monitoring his heart for a long time, giving Locke a strong sense of familiarity and trust.
When faced with a valve replacement, Locke wasn’t panicked.
“I knew that whatever they had to do, they had to do it for my benefit,” he says.
"If you stay in one place, they monitor [you] in such a way that it's just better care. If you move you around, everybody has to start all over and ask the same questions. I never had that type of experience.”
Thethel Locke, Patient
High-Quality Care in Your Own Backyard
A common belief is that patients must travel to large cities to receive top-tier heart care. Locke’s experience proves otherwise. He received his complex valve replacement, subsequent heart rhythm correction and full cardiac rehabilitation all locally at UnityPoint Health.
Keeping his care local, where the doctors and health system already knew his medical history, was a significant advantage.
"If you stay in one place, they monitor [you] in such a way that it's just better care. If you move you around, everybody has to start all over and ask the same questions. I never had that type of experience."
Beyond the logistics, Locke credits the positive culture of the hospital team members.
“They did everything they needed to do and what they felt like I needed, all the time. They really watched me and took care of me."
Commitment to Recovery and a Better Quality of Life
Following his procedure, Locke committed fully to cardiac rehabilitation, completing every session. His motivation was simple: he didn't want his condition to get any worse. The program helped him adopt lasting, healthy habits, particularly concerning his diet.
“I'm pretty much a fish and chicken person where I used to be a steak and pork person. I don't use salt at all,” Locke says.
Today, he’s seen a huge improvement in his daily life. Locke is not only physically more comfortable, but he feels better mentally.
"I would say I'm more enthusiastic. I'm very comfortable with where I'm at right now."
When asked what single piece of advice he would give to someone newly diagnosed with a serious heart condition, Locke’s answer was clear:
"Stick with your care team at UnityPoint Health and, by all means, listen to what they're saying and then take the appropriate action."
