By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Monday, March 14, 2016
Channel 2 Action News chief meteorologist Glenn Burns underwent heart surgery earlier this month and is now recuperating at home.
He had surgery a week ago and left the hospital today.
His doctor during a regular check up earlier this year heard a heart murmur and decided to check out what was going on.
“I get a physical every year and I’ve had a clean bill of health,” Burns told WSB-TV. “This last physical, the doctor was listening to my chest and he said, ‘I don’t like the sound of that.’ And I’m going, ‘Whoa, what do you mean? I’m in good shape and what is going on?’ He said, ‘Well, I want to do a couple of tests.’”
The doctors discovered a significant leak in one of Burns' aortic valves that had to be replaced with a pig valve.
WSB-TV broke the news earlier today on its website and aired a report today during its 5 p.m. newscast. Before the surgery, Burns talked to anchor Jovita Moore about how doctors caught the problem. He said the procedure typically takes three to five hours. Surgeon Dr. Randy Martin, he said, told him this type of open-heart surgery is considered "big boy surgery." (Dr. Edward Chen, thoracic aortic surgeon at Emory Saint Joseph's performed Glenn's surgery.)
If it hadn't been caught so early, Burns said, "it could have resulted in death. That's how serious it is."
"Don't be impatient," said anchor Justin Farmer on air directly to Burns. "Chill out so catch up on some books!"
"Already today, Channel 2 Action News viewers are pouring in love and support for Glenn," said Misti Turnbull, news director. "We are very grateful to the doctors who took care of him and all the viewers who are supporting him as he heals at home."
Added Tim McVay, vice president and general manager at WSB-TV: "We are most thankful that Glenn is home and recovering well. He is already anxious to be back on Channel 2 and serving our viewers. He wants viewers to remember to get their check-ups. Glenn is a very active, trim, and fit adult so this really shows why it is so important for everyone to get their physical."
On Burns' public Facebook page, someone recently posted this update:
Thank you for your continued support,
Team Glenn
Burns has been with WSB-TV since 1981.
WSB-TV and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are both part of Cox Media Group.
