Chest tightness, fatigue precede collapse: Doctor warns of heart attack signs

A 60-year-old man, who had been experiencing increasing fatigue and occasional chest tightness, suddenly collapsed upon waking one morning. His family, concerned about his deteriorating condition, had already scheduled a medical check-up for the following week. The man, identified as Mr. Xie, had no chronic illnesses other than smoking.

His wife immediately called emergency services (119) after he lost consciousness. His daughter initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until paramedics arrived. Emergency responders continued chest compressions and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) three times during transport to the hospital. Upon arrival, medical examinations revealed a complete blockage in the proximal left anterior descending artery, a critical vessel supplying blood to the heart, and two severe narrowings in the right coronary artery.

Doctors performed an emergency intervention, using a thrombectomy to clear the blockage and placing stents to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. The patient's blood pressure was critically low, necessitating the placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to support circulation. Additionally, therapeutic hypothermia was initiated to protect the brain from potential damage.

After three days of intensive treatment, Mr. Xie's blood pressure stabilized, his consciousness fully returned, and he was successfully weaned off the ventilator. He was transferred to a regular ward for continued care, including medication management, dietary adjustments, smoking cessation education, and rehabilitation. He later underwent treatment for the blockages in his right coronary artery before being discharged after two weeks of hospitalization, fully recovered. Doctors emphasized that chest tightness, fatigue, and shortness of breath during exertion can be critical warning signs of heart issues, especially for smokers, those with a family history of heart disease, or middle-aged and elderly individuals.