Co Fermanagh runner receives open heart surgery days after completing half marathon
Co Fermanagh man Gareth Reihill (51) was diagnosed with a heart condition at the age of 25, coming after a routine GP appointment revealed the man had a heart murmur.
The murmur is a congenital valve problem, meaning the aortic valve only has two flaps of skin, also called leaflets to help control blood flow, instead of the usual three.
Also known as a biscupid aortic valve, it is the most common congenital heart defect and is estimated to affect around 2% of the population, often going undiagnosed.
However many diagnosed with the condition live a healthy life with treatment.
As previous scans had been normal, last year Gareth flew out to Spain to complete the Torremolinos half-marathon with his Enniskillen running club.
However, just two days later, the Fermanagh man's cardiologist delivered the life-changing news that his condition had progressed from mild to severe.
'I ran the Torremolinos half marathon on Sunday and was told I needed open heart surgery on the Tuesday,' said Gareth, who described his shock at the news.
'My cardiologist said we needed to intervene before more damage was done to the heart muscle.
'It was time for open heart surgery.'
In July 2024, the avid runner underwent surgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital, where his aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical one.
Despite the prospect of a life-changing surgery, he remained calm.
'I remember when I was being pushed down to the theatre I was at ease. I don't know why,' said Gareth.
'I thought I'd be petrified, but I wasn't,' he added. 'The doctors were so confident and reassuring.'
News Catch Up - Thursday 5 June
Gareth was told that had he not proceeded with the surgery, he would have faced congestive heart failure within three years.
Despite not being able to run during his three-month recovery from the surgery, Gareth explained he found immense support in his local running club.
'The club was amazing throughout my journey,' he said.
Almost one year after the open heart surgery, he has continued running, completing 10k and half marathons since, including returning to the Torremolinos half marathon this year.
'I was 50 years old when I had the operation and I was delighted with the result… I feel great now.'
Fearghal Mckinney, head of British Heart Foundation NI said: 'Gareth's story is very powerful and we're grateful to him for sharing his journey of his heart condition from his open heart surgery back to health.'
'We would encourage people to sign up to the annual Enniskillen 10k and help fund our lifesaving research, so we can give people more time with their loved ones.'
Enniskillen Running Club, have decided this year to support the British heart foundation in their annual 10k event which takes place on Saturday 14th June.
The 10k is open to runners and walkers over the age of 15, registration closes on Wednesday 11th June.
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