Iowa State’s Hoiberg set for open heart surgery

AMES — Fred Hoiberg sat calmly at the table in the underbelly of Hilton Coliseum, recalling each detail with precision.

Usually Hoiberg's sharp mind and articulate manner are focused on what just happened on the floor, but not this time. Now, the five-year coach at Iowa State was recounting each emotional detail of his fight against heart disease.

Within the next week, Hoiberg will have new details to recall when he goes through his second open-heart surgery. He will have his aortic valve replaced on April 17 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

'People ask is it easier going through it the second time?' Hoiberg said. 'Yes and no. You know what to expect, but at the same time you remember.'

Recovery from the procedure is estimated to be 4 to 6 weeks, and Hoiberg hopes to be recruiting again in July and be 100 percent for Iowa State's foreign trip to Spain in August. But as Hoiberg learned through experience, he'll be prepared as he can for any situation this time around.

Hoiberg received open-heart surgery for the first time in 2005 after undergoing an exam for a life insurance policy. He knew about the abnormality with his aortic valve since his playing days with the Cyclones, but the situation had progressed drastically.

'It was on the verge of potentially, not for sure, rupturing and if that happens it's too late,' Hoiberg said. 'Again, had I not gone in for that life insurance test, I don't know if I'd be here right now.'

Complications from the procedure led to the installation of his pacemaker and the end of his NBA playing career, but Hoiberg moved onto the front office for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Routine checkups on Hoiberg's heart became the norm and as the years went by, his aortic valve developed stenosis, and the vessel became narrower. Hoiberg knew a second procedure was coming, and discussed having the operation in September and December, but a compromise was made to wait until Iowa State's season was over.

'Carol (my wife) convinced a higher power in that first opening game (against UAB) that my heart couldn't take it anymore,' Hoiberg said with a grin. 'I don't know, I think we just got beat by a better team that day.'

During surgery, Hoiberg will receive a mechanical valve, with the setback of blood thinners and a slight diet change. With the new valve, the likelihood of another open-heart surgery is much less likely in the future.

'I was a professional athlete in the best shape of my life and here I am with a ticking time bomb in my chest,' Hoiberg said. 'Get checked. Get checked. If you have a problem, I'm a good example that you can go on and live a normal active lifestyle.'