Mary Ann Kozlowski, a Pennsylvania native, has faced heart issues since childhood due to rheumatic fever. At just 20 years old, she underwent her first open-heart surgery, during which two metal heart valves were implanted.
Reflecting on the surgery, Kozlowski recalls asking her doctor about the longevity of the valves. “I said, ‘By the way, how long are they going to last? Is there a warranty or something I can have for these things?’” To her relief, the doctor replied, “50 years.”
Learning to live with the distinct clicking of her new heart became part of her daily life. “You’re trying to sleep, and you get this ticking noise,” she described. “They were louder when I was younger, especially in my 20s and 30s. They would keep you up at night. And in the bathroom, the sound echoes, making it even more noticeable.”
Now residing in San Antonio, Kozlowski underwent a heart transplant in June, during which her metal valves were removed. Recently, she met with KSAT at her doctor’s office, proudly displaying the valves that have accompanied her for decades.
Dr. Philip Zinn, her cardiologist, expressed curiosity about her remarkable valves and encouraged her to pursue a Guinness World Record. “I have a lot of patients who’ve had valve replacements, but none have lasted anywhere near as long as Mary Ann’s,” Zinn noted.
He explained that metal valves generally have a longer lifespan than tissue valves. “I believe her valves could have continued functioning if not for the heart failure that necessitated the transplant,” he added. “It’s rare for patients to see the valves that have been in their bodies for so many years. This recognition from Guinness World Records is quite exciting for us.”
Looking ahead, Kozlowski plans to transform her valves into a piece of jewelry that she can wear, symbolizing her unique journey and resilience.
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