YORK, Pa. — Many of us think of aging as something we do alone, but researchers are learning that as we age in relationships, we also change biologically to become more like our partners than we were when we met them.
One couple from Central Pennsylvania says they are proof.
After 50 years of marriage, Judy and Dallas Rife have shared a lot--even their love for a good cup of coffee. Believe it or not, that includes the same heart problem.
After a routine exam discovered a heart murmur, Judy made an appointment to see Dr. Hemal Gada with UPMC. It was at that same appointment that Dr. Gada insisted he examine her husband Dallas as well.
"We were talking with her, and it became apparent that he had basically the same health concerns that she had," Dr. Gada said. "And it turned out both of them were suffering with symptoms related to aortic stenosis."
The condition occurs when the aortic valve narrows and blood cannot flow normally.
"We take severe aortic stenosis very seriously," Dr. Gada said. "This is a condition that robs people of their quality of life."
To treat the condition, Dr. Gada performed transcatheter aortic valve replacements on the couple, just one week apart.
"Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has been revolutionary in our field... it's something that we do very frequently," he said.
Dr. Gada says the outcomes of the surgery are typically very good, with low risk of severe complications.
As for Judy and Dallas?
"I think Mr. and Mrs. Rife were destined to be together because when I went to do the workup, they both sized for the same valve size and their atomic values were almost identical," Dr. Gada said.
"I'm just glad we had it done and found out soon enough and had it done before it became a real problem," said Judy.
Their awareness led to a story they'll tell their four grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and is one that epitomizes their wedding vows: in sickness and in health.
For more information on transcatheter aortic valve replacement at UPMC, click here.