As a personal trainer and multisport athlete in his thirties, Andres Virgen may not fit your typical profile of a cardiovascular disease patient. But when he was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve at the age of 30, some things started to add up. This congenital heart defect went unnoticed until then, but the signs were there. “I was active growing up,” said Andres. “I played ice hockey, soccer and later college football, but I always got tired pretty easily and struggled with distance running.”
It turns out, these symptoms were a sign that Andres’ aortic valve was missing a part. A visit to the doctor after fainting a few times finally revealed his condition. Andres began seeing a cardiologist and taking protective measures, like avoiding contact sports. His health stabilized, but a couple years later, he began experiencing concerning symptoms: fevers, chills, night sweats and extreme fatigue.
Andres knew something was wrong, but his first few visits to his primary care doctor and cardiologist weren’t bringing answers. Finally, a visit to urgent care ended up with Andres being sent to the emergency room; he didn’t leave for two weeks.
Andres’ hunch was correct; he had a blood infection that had spread to his heart, leading to endocarditis. It had been there for more than a month, but because of his healthy lifestyle, it wasn’t detected. Over the next three days, doctors performed emergency open heart surgery, heart valve replacement and antibiotic treatment.
That was more than a year ago. Today, Andres is back to work as an investigative specialist for the DC Public Defender Service and a personal trainer. He’s on blood thinners for the rest of his life and has a mechanical heart valve – its constant ticking a reminder of his survival. He’s extra cautious, steadily building back his exercise routine and taking extra steps to eat healthy. “It took me awhile to trust myself, my heart and my training, but after every work out, I gain a little more confidence,” said Andres.
When he reflects on his experience, he has a few lessons to share; have faith and be your own biggest advocate. “You have to have the mindset that things will work out and pair that positivity with putting in the work,” said Andres. But it wasn’t just optimism that got him through; it was his own persistence in seeking effective medical treatment. The urgent care doctor wasn’t the first professional he sought help from, but she was the first to take swift action to get him on the right treatment path. “If something feels off, trust your gut – and if your doctor doesn’t believe you, get a new doctor and keep pushing for answers,” he added.
Andres is living out another lesson he learned from his experience: the road to recovery can take you even further than where you started. He’s training for a triathlon, happening in June 2025, nearly two years since his major heart event.
And in the meantime, you can join him and the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region team at the 35th annual Lawyers Have Heart, happening on May 17. Andres and his team, the Freedom Fighters will be running the 5k and 10k – sign up to join them here.
Bonus: use the code “FREEDOMFIGHTERS35” for 35% off your registration.