On a Monday afternoon, in March 2022, Trent Miller was finishing his usual workout in his Toronto home. Yet for all the familiar rhythms of exercise, something felt “off” to him.
“My heart rate just didn’t come down,” Trent recalls. “Even an hour later, it stayed elevated, though I didn’t feel anything else was abnormal.”
At 53, Trent knew that heart attacks and strokes could happen without warning. Just as he wouldn’t ignore a faint shimmy in one of his bicycle wheels, he didn’t want to dismiss a slight heart symptom that could prove to be fatal. That’s when he decided to visit a local emergency department (ED).
A life-saving discovery
Once at the hospital, the ED team quickly ruled out a heart attack or stroke—Trent’s heart rate had returned to normal. They planned to discharge him when an ED doctor decided to complete one final check and discovered Trent had a significant heart murmur.
An ultrasound later revealed the true severity of his condition—a nine-centimeter aortic aneurysm, nearly double the size of those requiring emergency surgery. The aneurysm had stretched and damaged his aortic valve beyond repair. Within hours, Trent was transferred to St. Michael’s Hospital to receive urgent, specialized heart care.
Exceptional care at a critical moment
Just three days after being admitted to St. Michael’s, Trent underwent open-heart surgery to repair the aneurysm and replace his aortic valve. His surgeon, then head of St. Michael’s Cardiac Program, made a decision that would prove life-changing for Trent: he postponed his family vacation by a day to perform the procedure himself.
“He knew I loved mountain biking and other sports, so he chose to give me a synthetic valve instead of a mechanical one,” he says. “With a mechanical valve, I would have been on blood thinners for life, which would have made my favourite activities challenging.”
Trent adds the Hospital’s level of care was “top-notch and second to none,” even going far beyond surgical expertise.
“The focus was always completely on me and my needs,” he explains. “The nurses and other clinicians checked on me regularly. They kept my spirits up, even joking with me.”
A remarkable recovery
Trent’s recovery exceeded all expectations. He woke up the day after his surgery, resilient and determined. Within three to four months, he was ready to resume nearly all his physical activities.
And today, three years after his surgery, Trent has not only returned to the activities he loves, he improved his cycling performance by more than 30 percent compared to before his heart procedure. He even cycles from his home to his office in downtown Toronto.
The power of donor-supported research
Looking back on his hospital experience, Trent has nothing but deep gratitude for St. Michael’s heart team. He also credits donor-funded research and physician training for making his recovery possible.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for donations toward cardiac care,” he says.
That’s why Trent decided to take part in the first-ever Paddle Royale, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation’s charity pickleball tournament, last year, and why he plans to participate in the next event on March 28.
"To anyone considering donating to and fundraising for St. Michael’s, please do,” he says. “The research, the training, the exceptional care—it all comes together to give heart patients their lives back."
Donate to St. Michael's Hospital Foundation.
