Athens, Ga. (February 2, 2026) - During American Heart Month, Shannon Romano is sharing her story to encourage women to take a proactive approach to heart health and routine screenings—because a simple annual checkup can change the course of a life.
Romano, a community education nurse for Piedmont Athens Regional, learned in January 2024 that she had a dilated ascending aorta resulting from a congenital bicuspid aortic valve, one of the most common inherited heart defects. These conditions were discovered after her primary care provider detected a heart murmur during a routine wellness visit.
“I didn’t have symptoms,” Romano said. “If it hadn’t been for that annual exam, I may not have known.”
Romano is an aerial dancer who began training and performing at Canopy Studios in 2020. After learning about her condition, she stepped away from aerial silks and trapeze, worried that intense movement and exertion could put too much strain on her heart.
“I was overthinking everything,” Romano said. “Every move, every drop—I was afraid I might be pushing my body too hard.”
Romano was referred to Piedmont Heart Institute cardiothoracic surgeon Trent Magruder, MD, who now monitors her condition through regular imaging. But for Romano, the biggest impact wasn’t just the testing—it was the conversation.
“She came prepared with questions, photos and a clear passion for what she loves to do,” Dr. Magruder said. “My goal is to partner with patients, understand their lives, and help them safely get back to the things that matter most to them.”
Romano said Dr. Magruder took time to understand how aerial dance differs from more traditional forms of exercise and patiently walked through each concern.
“He never made my questions feel silly or rushed,” she said. “He gave me reassurance when I needed it most.”
With close monitoring and guidance from her care team, Romano gradually returned to training and is now fully cleared to participate and perform.
“My diagnosis doesn’t define my limits,” she said. “I’ve learned I can still do hard things—and I don’t have to be afraid.”
During American Heart Month, Romano hopes her story encourages others—especially women over 40—to stay proactive about their heart health and keep up with annual checkups and recommended screenings.
“Knowing your heart matters,” she said. “Early detection made all the difference for me.”
Today, Romano is back in the air, focusing less on fear and more on joy.
“I can turn my brain off and just have fun again,” she said. “That’s something I don’t take for granted.”
Connect with our media team
Have a media request, need more information, or want to schedule an interview? Our team is here to assist with your inquiries and provide the resources you need.