In 2022, I experienced "walk-through phenomenon angina," which was chest pain associated with exercise that went away when I slowed to a walk. I would then be able to continue my runs. I talked to a cardiologist friend, who suggested that I was at the right age (50). The basics of the story is that in 2022, I returned a calcium score of 323, but coupled with an stress test in which I ran 12 minutes (and could have gone longer on the treadmill), I had a small chance of an MI, and I started taking statins and aspirin. In March of this year, I had a profusion test, which showed a blockage of the LAD, so a catheterization was scheduled. On March 28, I had two stents placed in the LAD. Things have gone pretty well since then, and I am back to running and swimming, though both are a bit slower than where I left off from early 2022 when all this bollocks started.

Last week, I helped perform CPR and external defibrillation on man in his mid-50's who collapsed due to cardiac arrest while exercising. By the time I arrived at the scene, my staff had started CPR and had administered a shock. I stepped in and resumed several cycles of compressions, interrupted only by further analysis by the AED. I resumed compressions on the patient, who by this time had agonal breathing: he was gone. EMS arrived and took over care, recaptured a pulse, and transported. Reports after the fact indicate that the patient survived. The cardiac arrest was caused by severe blockages (up to 98%) in all three major coronary arteries. His feedback mechanism was poor and he, like many other men in his 50's, had no prior symptoms until his sudden collapse. Multiple stents were placed. Had this patient not been in a location with trained personnel, his chance of survival would have been less than 10%. At last report, he was talking and somewhat lucid, but had no memories of the incident.

The intersection of two life stories here is interesting. Because I have been active and healthy for my whole life (competitive swimmer since the age of 7, college swimmer, 9 x marathon and 3 x IM finisher, BMI < 25, low BP, no smoking, infrequent drinking, etc), this was chalked up to genetics, which is the same as with the patient.

I encourage men in their late 40's and early 50's to consider comprehensive tests for heart disease. These may be expensive, but are worth it as diagnostic which can lead to preventative measure. I was able to avoid the MI that I was genetically destined for. I encourage everyone to be trained in CPR, and if available, the use of an AED. The patient was destined for his MI and cardiac arrest, and I am glad that my training and the training of my staff gave this man a chance.