WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows thousands of people die every year from aortic aneurysms. That is why survivors and medical professionals alike say it is important for people to pay attention to their health.

Paul Colgan knows firsthand the impact of a heart defect. Nearly 15 years ago, he was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve disease. In Oct. 2022, he passed out while home alone.

His doctor later diagnosed him with an aortic aneurysm, which is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the artery that carries blood from the heart. He underwent open heart surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He said it is what saved his life.

“I definitely don’t have anymore the dizzy spells and I’m much more active today,” Colgan said. “I’m walking, jog probably 2 to 3 miles a day, play pickleball a couple of times a week. And I started playing basketball again a little bit.”

Feb. 13 was established as Aortic Aneurysm Awareness day in Ohio in 2021. Dr. Jovan Bozinovski, who performed Colgan’s surgery last year, was one doctor who testified before lawmakers to support creating the day.