Awareness of Heart Attack Symptoms is Critical
to Survival
“Sometimes the sickest patients receive the most benefit from surgery,” states
Hans
M. Haupt, MD, director of cardiac surgery at Phoenixville Hospital, in
reference to his patient Eric Cheever*, a 64-year-old grandfather of 13 children
and great grandfather of two who recently had bypass surgery.
Mr. Cheever, a retired engineer and smoker for 50
years, had been complaining to his wife of intermittent
chest pain for nearly a month. As one who frequently
ate spicy foods, he attributed his discomfort to his
diverticulitis and/or anxiety.
Despite having a heart attack at the early age of 32
and the use of high blood pressure and high cholesterol
medications, he delayed seeking help until his wife
Rhoda insisted upon it. “He woke up one night
with severe chest pain - he was sweating and very pale.
I knew this was more than anxiety,” recalls Rhoda.
Thanks to Rhoda’s persistence, she took her
husband directly to Phoenixville Hospital’s Emergency
Department, where he was rushed directly to the laboratory
for a catheterization, This procedure, performed by
Kathleen
E. Magness ,MD, an interventional cardiologist
and the chief of cardiology at the hospital, involves
inserting a catheter or small, thin tube through the
groin to the heart. An X-ray picture is taken, helping
the doctor assess the heart’s condition. “In
Mr. Cheever’s case, the test showed that three
of his arteries were more than 90% blocked, indicating
surgery was required,” says
Dr. Magness.
Dr. Haupt performed the emergency triple bypass surgery
in the state-of-the-art operating suite at Phoenixville,
the only hospital in the area to offer advanced interventional
and surgical heart care. By coming to Phoenixville directly,
Mr. Cheever saved precious time. “In acute cases,
such as a heart attack, minutes count, therefore it
is critical to go to a hospital that offers interventional
and surgical services on-site, avoiding the need to
be transferred from another facility,” says Dr.
Haupt.
Since his surgery, Mr. Cheever has lost 18 pounds
by following a heart-healthy diet, and he and his wife
have both quit smoking. “I am grateful that I
went to Phoenixville Hospital right away for treatment,
as the care provided by the doctors and nursing staff
was superb. My only regret is not listening to my wife
sooner - after 35 years of marriage, I should have
known better!”
Know the warning signs of a heart attack:
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the
heart is severely reduced or stopped, usually caused
by the buildup of plaque (deposits of fat-like substances)
in the coronary arteries. The plaque can eventually
burst, tear or rupture, creating
a “snag” where a blood clot forms and blocks
the artery. This leads to a heart attack.
If you or
a loved one is experiencing any of the following
symptoms, don’t hesitate. Seek medical attention
or call 9-1-1 immediately. Get to a hospital right
away, but
don’t drive yourself, unless you have absolutely
no other option.
Symptoms include:
- Uncomfortable pressure or squeezing in chest
- Fullness
or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts
more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
- Pain
or discomfort in one or both arms, your back,
neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath along with chest
discomfort or before the chest discomfort.
- Cold sweats
- Nausea or lightheadedness
*name has been changed
to protect patient’s privacy
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