The Heart Attack

Some of you may already know about Ben's heart attack on Thanksgiving Eve, but others have asked about it.

Yes, my 33 year old husband with no heart disease in his family history, generally healthy and fit man, did in fact suffer a massive heart attack. He had 100% blockage in his left anterior descending (LAD) artery, the main artery, sometimes referred to as the "widow maker."

It was a Wednesday night when Ben left to play ball at the church with his brothers. This isn't unusual behavior for him. He played regularly except for the last couple months while he recovered from a recent leg surgery. First night back on the court, and Ben's chest began to hurt. He said it felt like someone had cinched a belt across his chest, cutting off his ability to breathe. Half-way his ball game, he decided to sit out. A man he did not know who was also playing ball at the church stopped to ask Ben what was wrong. He told him his chest hurt. The man told him to go immediately to the hospital and take some aspirin.

Who keeps aspirin around? I know I don't. In fact, before Ben's heart attack, I don't think I have ever bought a bottle of aspirin before. Miraculously, Ben's brother-in-law had some on hand in his First Aid kit. Ben took a couple, and decided to go home rather than to the hospital. He thought that if he could just go to bed then he'd feel better in the morning.

Ben's brother, Mark, rode with him to the church, so they both left for home. When they almost reached the Wal-mart by our house, Ben pulled over so Mark could drive. He told Mark to take him to the hospital now. The pains progressively got worse. His chest felt like it was going to cave in, the pain also went up his neck and down his arms causing a numbing sensation. Mark called 911 and ran about five red lights on the way to American Fork hospital. The medical workers were waiting for them.

They rushed Ben in to get an EKG. The EKG Technician felt frustrated because it was taking so long for Ben to relax long enough for a good read. After two tries, the EKG was successful. The EKG Tech rushed out to consult with the Emergency Room doctor who then came back in to tell Ben he was being transferred to Utah Valley.

Transported by ambulance, Ben made it to UVRMC where they immediately took him to the CATH lab. They ran an angiogram and then placed a stent in his artery.

I was notified after Ben made it to AF hospital. Then, my sister-in-law, Ari, met me at Wal-mart so I could drive Mark's truck to the hospital and so she could take my kids. Mark called about 11:30 p.m. to tell me Ben was being transported to Provo. By the time I made it to Provo, it was just after midnight and the Cardiologist was nearly finished with the procedure.

Ben stayed in the Cardiac ICU for two days. We came home and have been making changes in our diet to accommodate Ben's heart.

Everyday is a challenge, but I think we're finally getting into a routine.

Ben has lost 25 pounds since November. He has cut back on his fat intake (no butter period, skim milk, low-fat sour cream or non-fat plain greek yogurt), eliminated red meat, lowered his salt consumption, and increased his fiber. He amazes me how much self-control he has. I mean, I've tried to follow his diet, but it's hard to be so strict all of the time!!!

He goes in for his stress test on March 21st. Hopefully we will receive answers related to how much damage Ben's heart incurred.