Full-Court Press for Two Hospitals: Coach Koch’s Fight for the Health of His Heart

Known as ‘Coach’ to everyone in the Farmington, Missouri, community, Gary Koch, 79, has made a lasting impact both on and off the basketball court. A Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee, he spent more than 40 years coaching college women’s and high school boys’ varsity basketball. Now retired, he is thankful for the wonderful care he received after a serious heart scare last summer.

The morning everything changed   

An early riser, Gary woke up on a July morning with an unusual sensation—like warmth spreading through his blood. Feeling dizzy, he went to sit in his chair and felt a strange sensation in his chest. 

After about 15 minutes sitting upright, he told his wife what he was feeling. She comforted him, got him an aspirin, and asked if he wanted to go to the hospital. He said no because the odd feelings he was having went away after an hour. Later, he described his symptoms to his primary care physician over the phone, who instructed him to go to Parkland Heath Center immediately.

“When Gary arrived at the Emergency Department, he was convinced it couldn’t be his heart, given how active he had been with coaching all those years,” says Azamuddin Khaja, MD, a BJC Medical Group interventional cardiologist at Parkland Health Center. “However, the test results told a different story.”

Once he arrived, Gary was quickly taken to a room, where a team of medical staff sprang into action—attaching monitors, setting up machines, and assessing his condition. It was then he learned he was having a heart attack, three of his arteries were severely blocked—one at 90%, another completely at 100%, and a third at 80%.

A team effort to save his heart

Gary was taken to the cardiac cath lab at Parkland Health Center, where tests revealed he needed open-heart surgery. He was referred to Michael Mauney, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis. 

“Parkland Health Center has a strong partnership with Missouri Baptist Medical Center,” says Dr. Khaja, “allowing us to quickly provide patients with the care they need. In Gary’s case, we were able to act swiftly and get him the help he needed.”

The next day, Gary and his wife traveled to Missouri Baptist for a triple bypass procedure. 

“Because the arteries to Gary’s heart were severely blocked,” says Dr. Mauney, “we had to reroute blood vessels taken from other parts of his body to bypass the damaged arteries of his heart.”

Dr. Mauney took blood vessels from inside Gary’s chest, forearm, and leg to replace the damaged vessels in his heart and help improve the flow of oxygen to the heart.  

“Gary’s surgery was a success, and bypass surgery typically provides long-lasting results,” said Dr. Mauney. “Patients tend to do really well after surgery as long as they stay in touch with their cardiologist and participate in cardiac rehabilitation.”

“Dr. Mauney was a fantastic physician—he answered all my questions, prepared me for surgery, and did an excellent job,” says Gary. “I spent a week in the hospital, and the nurses and aides were incredible. They were kind, attentive, and truly cared about how I was feeling. I was in good hands.”

After being discharged from Missouri Baptist, Gary returned home to Farmington. After a few weeks of rest, he was cleared by Dr. Khaja to start cardiac rehabilitation at The Huckstep Heart and Lung Center at Parkland Health Center, a medically supervised program designed for patients with heart disease or breathing problems. The program helps patients maintain their function and stay in control of their lives. 

“Cardiac rehab is important for our patients with heart conditions,” says Dr. Khaja. “The staff provides guidance with everything related to heart health, including diet, food labels, medicines, and exercise, and they help patients return to the activities they love.”

Earlier this year, Gary graduated from phase two of the cardiac rehab program. He is currently participating in the maintenance program. 

“The cardiac rehabilitation program at Huckstep was superb,” says Gary. “The staff took great care of me, going out of their way to make me comfortable and feel better. Along with Parkland Health Center, they provided outstanding cardiac care right here in our community.”

Back in the game of life

In March, Gary met with Dr. Khaja, who told him his heart is in good condition, and he can do anything now. He was cleared to travel and is looking forward to getting a few rounds of golf in. 

Gary and his wife recently took a trip to Florida and are now planning a visit to Australia later this year to spend time with one of his former basketball players and her family. With six children living throughout the United States, 15 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, Gary looks forward to spending quality time with his family and creating lasting memories.

“As a coach, Gary was used to giving instructions to students and athletes, but now he was on the receiving end,” said Dr. Khaja. “He followed every instruction to the letter—exercise, diet, and taking his medications. Now, he’s able to do all the things he loves. He truly was the perfect patient.”

“I am one lucky guy, all thanks to the wonderful staff at Missouri Baptist Medical Center and Parkland Health Center,” says Gary.  “I wouldn’t be here today without them. It was a full-court press from both hospitals providing top-notch treatment, and I am forever grateful for everyone who helped with the care of my heart.”

At BJC HealthCare, our team of heart experts offers a full range of treatment options, from routine checkups to advanced care, ensuring patients get the right care when they need it. To learn more about our heart care services or to schedule and appointment, call 314-273-2315.