CPI Stem Cells Podcast Episode 6: In this episode of the CPI Podcast, guests Dan Hart and Denver Matic discuss their personal journeys, including Dan’s experiences with stem cell therapy for his shoulder recovery and Denver’s inspiring story of overcoming three open-heart surgeries. Both share their passion for Jiu-Jitsu and how it has played a significant role in their resilience and recovery.
Denver’s Health Journey
Denver was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, meaning his aortic valve had two flaps instead of the usual three, restricting blood flow and causing complications from an early age. After collapsing multiple times as a child, he underwent his first open-heart surgery at age four. The surgery opened the valve more fully, allowing him to enjoy a fairly normal childhood, though doctors advised against weightlifting and contact sports.
In his twenties, Denver faced a life-changing moment when a routine check-up revealed an aneurysm in his aortic artery, necessitating another round of surgery. By age 38, he had undergone three open-heart surgeries, leaving him with a mechanical valve but a healthy heart overall. Despite these surgeries, Denver remained active and even began training in Jiu-Jitsu—a practice that re-energized his physical life and mental outlook.
A Critical Health Scare
While sparring in Jiu-Jitsu in 2022, Denver experienced a sudden onset of tachycardia—an abnormally high heart rate—reaching 209 beats per minute for over an hour. This led to a cardioversion procedure, where his heart was shocked back into a normal rhythm. Shortly afterward, he experienced atrial fibrillation, which was controlled with medication. Realizing that his heart issues were worsening, Denver reached out to CPI to explore stem cell therapy as a potential treatment option.
Stem Cells at CPI
Denver first came to CPI in July 2022, undergoing intravenous stem cell treatment in hopes of improving his cardiovascular health. Prior to treatment, his echocardiogram showed a concerning ejection fraction—the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart—of 45 to 55%. After 12 weeks of stem cell therapy, that number improved significantly to 55 to 65%, showing that his heart was functioning better than before. Encouraged by the results, his cardiologist supported his continued use of stem cell therapy.
The Power of Resilience
Denver’s journey is a testament to his resilience, both physically and mentally. Despite dealing with multiple surgeries, heart scares, and the challenges of recovery, he continues to push forward. He credits Jiu-Jitsu and the stem cell treatments at CPI for improving his quality of life, and he is determined to continue living fully, embracing both the physical and mental benefits of the sport and treatment.
His experience also reflects the growing potential of stem cell treatments, particularly in addressing health issues that traditional medical routes may not fully resolve. CPI’s focus on innovative approaches and patient-specific therapies is opening new doors for those seeking alternatives to more invasive procedures.
Looking Forward
Denver plans to return to CPI for further stem cell treatments to continue improving his heart function and overall health. Alongside Jiu-Jitsu, he is also exploring ways to support his longevity by working with health clinics to monitor his biomarkers and further optimize his body’s performance.
Conclusion
Denver Matic’s story is a powerful reminder that health setbacks don’t have to define us. With modern advancements in treatments like stem cell therapy and the support of physical outlets like Jiu-Jitsu, individuals can overcome significant challenges and reclaim their lives. Whether it’s overcoming heart conditions or managing the wear and tear of physical activities, Denver’s story offers hope and inspiration for anyone facing their own health battles.
If you or a loved one are interested in learning how stem cells can help you please visit https://cellularperformanceinstitute.com or call us at +1 (855) 227-1411 for a FREE consultation with our doctors.