Jeff and Johnny's Story

At 62, long-distance triathlete and father Jeff Agar noticed something he couldn’t ignore. Everyday activities, including light exercise, left him with shortness of breath, which he never experienced before. Concerned, he visited his primary care provider, Abigail Wenzlick, MD, who completed a stress test and quickly referred Jeff to cardiology, where imaging showed multiple narrowed coronary arteries. He was then connected with a cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes in fixing the arteries through open heart surgery.

Corewell Health’s multidisciplinary cardiac care pathway guides patients from primary care through specialty care and beyond surgery.  

It begins with early detection by a primary care provider, followed by cardiology specialists who confirm the diagnosis and outline treatment options.

Coronary artery bypass surgery typically takes four to six hours to complete, and most patients stay in the hospital for five to seven days. After discharge from the hospital, home health nurses provide patients with ongoing monitoring and peace of mind. About one month post-surgery, patients attend and participate in a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program to restore strength and improve long-term heart health. Lifestyle guidance empowers them to return to active living and prevent future complications.

When Jeff learned he had several blocked arteries, including the notorious “widowmaker,” his world changed quickly.  

Concluding that Jeff was healthy, fit, and he was low risk for stroke, kidney, or heart failure, cardiothoracic surgeon Jordan Groskurth, MD, recommended triple bypass surgery for a better outcome.  

“While triple bypass surgery is major, serious complications are rare — less than one percent,” Jordan Groskurth, MD, said.  

With a skilled team and a personalized plan, Jeff moved forward with surgery, determined to turn a crisis into a comeback.

Jeff’s recovery followed the expected pathway. He was walking the day after surgery, spent about one week in the hospital where he was given a personalized plan to protect the healing sternum while rebuilding stamina. Later, he attended cardiac rehab for further recovery.  

“I received excellent treatment from both in-home care specialists and by regularly attending Corewell’s cardiac rehab as my recovery advanced,” he said.  

Dr. Groskurth’s expertise, Jeff’s dedication, and the steadfast support of his family formed a powerful trio. Jeff’s fitness, focus, and follow-through turned a crisis into a comeback. He is now fully healed from surgery and has no athletic limitations. Jeff can pursue his passions with his son better than before. Jeff plans to compete in the full-distance 140.6-mile Ironman California triathlon with his son, Johnny Agar, in the fall.  

Corewell Health’s cardiothoracic surgery program is not only consistently among the top performers in the state, but also recognized nationally by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) as a three out of three-star program for outstanding quality outcomes for coronary artery bypass surgery. This is a point of pride for teams who measure what matters and strive for the best outcomes.

Considering Jeff’s overall fitness being at extreme levels combined with limited risk factors, it just shows that heart disease can affect anyone. Book your yearly check up with a primary care provider to:

• Ask about risk factors (family history, blood pressure, cholesterol, and age)
• Talk about the appropriate testing available
• Discuss referral options to a heart and vascular specialist or 'Preventive Cardiology' program