A 50-Year-Old’s Heart Attack and How He Saved His Life

My beloved nephew had no idea he was having a heart attack and didn’t recognize the symptoms, but he did several very crucial things that ultimately saved his life. He was so wise to write down what happened while lying in the hospital when things were still fresh in his mind, and I’m passing on his story so others might know what to do and act quickly to save their own lives! I think 40- and 50-year-olds need this information especially, because they are not expecting a heart attack. But old ladies like me are also not sure sometimes if they should call 9-1-1 or their doctor. Here is his story in his own words. —Marian Shapiro

I was running out of breath all day at work but didn’t think much of it. I felt normal, but when speaking, my words at the end of the sentence would taper off because I didn’t have enough air. I recognize in hindsight that it was dissonance between what my brain is accustomed to when talking and the oxygen shortage that was occurring.

At the gym at 5 p.m., I was pushing really hard. I started feeling badly and had to stop two-thirds of the way though my workout. I initially just pushed harder, but thought I was going to be sick.