Taking heed of the first signs of cardiac arrest are critical to a successful outcome.
RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MO – Since 1989, Michael Marshall has been a cardiovascular technician, spending the last nine years working in an electrophysiology (EP) lab where he helps implant defibrillators and pacemakers for patients with heart problems. Unsuspectingly, Michael became the recipient of his own defibrillator at age 45 following a sudden cardiac arrest on Jan. 30, 2011.
For perspective, most people die within minutes from sudden cardiac arrest, which causes the heart to stop beating and stops blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Sudden cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, during which the heart continues to beat and keeps blood circulating.
To put it mildly, Michael never expected to be the heart patient so soon. His cholesterol was fine. He was not overweight. He did regular, light exercise. He passed his physical with flying colors. Father of two teenage sons and a Brentwood Alderman, Michael led an active life as a family man and community leader.
But, when he suddenly had severe chest pains, Michael immediately responded to his first symptoms and had his wife of 20 years and high school sweetheart, Wendy, call 911. With the fire department just blocks from his house, Michael was brought to SSM St. Mary’s, the closest hospital to their home, though Michael and Wendy actually work at two other hospitals in the region.
“If we had gone to another hospital, I don’t think the outcome would have been the same,” said Wendy. “It would have taken too long to get there.”
Michael went into full cardiac arrest in the Emergency Room within minutes of arrival. The scene might have been something akin to an episode of “ER” with emergency nurses, doctors and cardiologists moving swiftly into action.
“I felt like my brain just splintered,” said Wendy Marshall. “Was he going to die? Was he going to make it? Would I be a single mom? After 20 years, I could not imagine life without him. Everything is going through your head.”
Michael was immediately resucitated. He then proceeded to the Cardiovascular Recovery (CVR) Unit where hypothermia therapy was used to quickly lower Michael’s body temperature to improve his neurological recovery. Next, he went to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab where interventional cardiologist Dr. Roberto Pacheco-Coronado, of the SSM Heart Institute at St. Mary’s, placed a stent in a totally occluded heart vessel that caused the cardiac arrest. Michael then spent a week in an induced coma.
“I was surprised when I woke up a week later,” said Michael. “I don’t even remember coming into the ER, though my wife says I was still talking.”
After two weeks at SSM St. Mary’s CVR and a few visits to the Cardiac Cath Lab, Michael was on his way home with a new defibrillator in place to prevent further ventricular fibrillation that caused the sudden cardiac arrest.
Except for some hearing loss in his right ear, he has made a full recovery. He attends rehab three times per week in addition to regular walks and bike rides in his neighborhood. He also now religiously watches what he eats.
“I am very fortunate,” said Michael, who returns to work on April 25. Already, he has resumed his seat at the Brentwood Board of Aldermen, where he was greeted with a standing ovation in April.
Learn more about your risks for heart disease and how the SSM Heart Institute can help you at www.ssmhealth.com/heart.
About SSM Heart Institute
SSM Heart Institute is the region’s most experienced provider of comprehensive heart care. A team of more than 100 skilled cardiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons provides the most advanced treatments, leading-edge techniques and unparalleled experience for the best clinical outcomes. Combined with expert nursing and technical staff, this team offers a full range of services to prevent, diagnose and treat heart disease. SSM Heart Institute services are available at five locations across the St. Louis area: DePaul Health Center, St. Clare Health Center, St. Joseph Health Center, St. Joseph Hospital West and St. Mary’s Health Center.
About SSM St. Mary’s Health Center
SSM St. Mary's Health Center is a two-time winner of the prestigious Premier Award for Quality. Centrally located in metro St. Louis, SSM St. Mary's Health Center is a contemporary, 525-bed hospital with distinctive capabilities in high-risk obstetrical services, fetal surgery, state-of-the-art heart surgery, a chest pain center, advanced stroke care, and the latest imaging and outpatient services. Also a teaching hospital, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center is the headquarters for St. Louis University School of Medicine's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and offers an accredited internal medicine program. At SSM St. Mary’s Health Center more than 2,100 employees and 800 physicians are devoted to achieving the best care and best results for our patients.
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