Listen to your heart: Dan’s story of survival

February is Heart Health Month, and we’re excited to shine a spotlight on our incredible employees making a difference in the fight against heart disease. In a special series, we’re sharing their inspiring personal stories. 

Join us in raising awareness about heart disease and stroke and discover how our employees are actively contributing to healthier communities.

Dan Heeds a Warning

In December 2023, when Dan found himself in Utica’s Wynn Hospital emergency room, it came as an enormous shock. Dan had always led an active lifestyle. From playing basketball in an adult men’s league, to his habit of walking four miles most days, Dan prioritized exercise and movement.

Dan’s symptoms began with a mysterious low-grade ache in his left shoulder. The pain lingered for a few days, increased in intensity with exercise, and made sleeping on his left side impossible. Convincing himself that he must have pulled a muscle playing basketball, Dan tried to ignore the pain, hoping it would go away on its own.

“Most people tend not to think that something like a heart attack can happen to them,” he said. “Fortunately for me, I remembered something similar that happened to a friend, and it may have saved my life.”

That friend’s precautionary trip to the hospital began with a bad headache. Tests later revealed he had an embolism. Because he didn’t ignore the symptoms, his life was saved.

“That story stuck with me and played into my decision to seek care immediately and not wait to see my doctor the next day,” he recalls. “I looked up ‘heart attack symptoms’ online and found that acute left shoulder pain can be a heart attack sign.”

According to the American Heart Association, some heart attacks are sudden and intense, while others start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. It is vital to get help if you have any heart attack warning signs. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you have:

• Chest discomfort - most people having a heart attack feel discomfort in the center of the chest. It can last more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. 
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body - symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the:
  • Arms (one or both)
  • Back
  • Neck
  • Jaw
  • Stomach 
• Shortness of breath - this can happen with or without chest discomfort. 
• Other signs - other possible signs include:
  • Breaking out in a cold sweat
  • Nausea
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Feeling unusually tired
  • Feeling lightheaded

Soon after Dan was admitted at the hospital, doctors found he had suffered a silent heart attack, which occurs when the heart’s blood supply is blocked, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen, but is not accompanied by chest pain. Further tests revealed elevated levels of the enzyme creatine kinase, typical after a heart attack, and an 85% blockage in his left anterior descending (LAD) artery.

A little over a year later and, after a successful surgery to insert a stent that improves the flow of blood to the heart, Dan knows how fortunate he is to be alive today and here to share his story.

He’s increased his gym time, eats healthier, and does his best to reduce unnecessary stress from his work and private life.

“I have a stressful job, but it is one that I love,” he said. “I have made some adjustments to my schedule and have made it a practice to get up and walk in between meetings.”

Dan’s story serves as an important reminder to schedule regular visits with your primary care physician, follow through on doctor’s orders, and listen to your body’s warning signs. To learn more about heart disease and stroke, and how you can make a difference, please visit the AHA website.