When I was CEO of Grand Bank of Texas, I was up at 5 a.m., worked 12-hour days and did a 90-minute cardio workout over lunch. I was fit, but I began to pass out frequently and sweat a lot. 

My cardiologist in Dallas thought the atrial fibrillation I was experiencing was related to mitral valve leakage, and it was getting worse. He thought the valve could be repaired if I went to Cleveland Clinic. I told him he was crazy. Why would I go to Cleveland? But he told me, “Trust me — there’s only one place to get this fixed.” I started doing research and was shocked by positive surgical results at Cleveland Clinic compared to other hospitals. 

In 2004, I had a mitral valve repair at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Gillinov1 performed the surgery, using an incision down the center of my breastbone for direct access to the heart, and a Cox-Maze procedure2 to correct the AFib. I was able to return home seven days later, and I was back at work the next day. Soon after, I was working out at the gym, playing racquetball and scuba diving. 

I tell all my friends, “If you have a heart issue, you’re going to Cleveland Clinic.” Every time I see my cardiologist, I tell him he saved my life by insisting I go to Cleveland. 

 

Marshall Sutton retired in 2018, but remains active as ever. 

Marshall Sutton scuba diving

Marshall Sutton scuba dives in Cozumel, Mexico. | Photo: Courtesy of Marshall Sutton

Notes

  1. Marc Gillinov, MD, is Chair of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute.
  2. A procedure to create scar tissue that blocks abnormal impulses that cause atrial fibrillation.