Three Heart Attacks
A Physician’s Personal Drama
By: Dr. John V. Cappello, D.O., and M.B.A.
My grandfather had a heart attack when he was in his 60’s. My father had one when he was in his 40’s. I was only 29. It couldn’t happen to me, I thought. But it did happen. On June 25, 1970, I suddenly awakened about 2 a.m. with a crushing pain in my chest.
I was having some serious business problems at the time and I was eating poorly – lots of fatty and fried foods – and drinking more alcohol than I should have. What’s more, I was not getting the exercise and rest I needed. The total stress of this situation was apparently too much for my body’s weakest link – the heart.
At first, when it hit, I didn’t know what was happening. I thought that if I could just move my bowels the pain would go away. (I learned later that this is a common symptom with heart attacks.)
Reprinted with permission of Prevention Magazine
Typical heart attack symptoms
Most heart attacks begin with subtle symptoms — with only discomfort that often is not described as pain. The chest discomfort may come and go. Don't be tempted to downplay your symptoms or brush them off as indigestion or anxiety.
Don't "tough out" heart attack symptoms for more than five minutes. Call 911 or other emergency medical services for help. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort, if there are absolutely no other options.
Heart attack symptoms vary widely. For instance, you may have only minor chest discomfort while someone else has excruciating pain. One thing applies to everyone, though: If you suspect you're having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately.
A Physician’s Personal Drama
By: Dr. John V. Cappello, D.O., and M.B.A.
“Once near death and in fearful pain, a young man turned to nutrition for help. He improved enough to survive the rigors of medical school.”
My grandfather had a heart attack when he was in his 60’s. My father had one when he was in his 40’s. I was only 29. It couldn’t happen to me, I thought. But it did happen. On June 25, 1970, I suddenly awakened about 2 a.m. with a crushing pain in my chest.
I was having some serious business problems at the time and I was eating poorly – lots of fatty and fried foods – and drinking more alcohol than I should have. What’s more, I was not getting the exercise and rest I needed. The total stress of this situation was apparently too much for my body’s weakest link – the heart.
At first, when it hit, I didn’t know what was happening. I thought that if I could just move my bowels the pain would go away. (I learned later that this is a common symptom with heart attacks.)
Reprinted with permission of Prevention Magazine
Public Service Information:
Heart attack symptoms: Know what's a medical emergency
By Mayo Clinic staffTypical heart attack symptoms
- Chest discomfort or pain This discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.
- Upper body pain Pain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. You may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.
- Stomach pain Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.
- Shortness of breath You may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before you develop chest discomfort or you may not experience any chest discomfort.
- Anxiety You may feel a sense of doom or feel as if you're having a panic attack for no apparent reason.
- Lightheadedness In addition to chest pressure, you may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.
- Sweating You may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.
- Nausea and vomiting You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
Don't "tough out" heart attack symptoms for more than five minutes. Call 911 or other emergency medical services for help. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort, if there are absolutely no other options.
Heart attack symptoms vary widely. For instance, you may have only minor chest discomfort while someone else has excruciating pain. One thing applies to everyone, though: If you suspect you're having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately.
