Former EMT Survives STEMI Heart Attack After 1 Heartburn-Like Symptom Led to 3 Stents
Updated
Updated · WPXI Pittsburgh · Nov 5
Former EMT Survives STEMI Heart Attack After 1 Heartburn-Like Symptom Led to 3 Stents
2 articles · Updated · WPXI Pittsburgh · Nov 5
Summary
53-year-old BJ Throop went to Allegheny General after persistent chest burning he first dismissed as acid reflux, and doctors found he was having a STEMI heart attack.
Three stents followed—two that night and a third months later—despite Throop having none of the classic warning signs such as jaw pain, arm numbness or unusual shortness of breath.
AHN cardiologist Dr. Moneal Shah said heart attacks can present as burning, nausea, abdominal discomfort or a vague sense of feeling unwell, with women often showing especially subtle symptoms.
A year after the attack, Throop is back playing dek hockey and urging people not to ignore new or severe burning with exertion or sudden symptoms at rest, but to seek care quickly.