"Thought it was the flu, but my PC knew it was a heart attack" - Steve Swayne's Story

Steve Swayne is committed to living healthfully. He believes a long life of energy and vitality requires giving the body fuel to heal itself — so he eats well, maintains a normal body mass index, visits his primary care provider at least annually and goes for a daily run.

A Not-So-Fun Run

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 5:30 in the morning, Steve was enjoying a run around Peace College with his running buddy and primary care provider — Ben Fischer, MD — to get charged up for the day. They then continued working out with Fitness, Fellowship, Faith — also known as F3 — a national network of men, providing free, peer-led workouts in which each workout ends by huddling in a circle of trust.

Suddenly, Steve began to feel unrelenting and bizarre symptoms while exercising. He experienced sluggishness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness and pale skin. 

Noting the sudden onset and seriousness of Steve's symptoms, Dr. Fischer immediately called 911. 

"I've known Steve a long time," shares Dr. Fischer. "I could see that he was not himself that morning. He was unusually quiet where he is typically gregarious. He was pale. He said he didn't feel well. He was clammy. He was also clearly a little out of it and unusually winded. I approached him and felt his pulse. I thought it was an arrhythmia or something else cardiac related as his pulse was thready. Since he felt fine when he awoke that morning, and the symptoms began with exertion, I knew this was very concerning, so while I didn't like the idea of disrupting the morning with a call to emergency medical services, I alerted him I was going to make the call. The paramedic took the electrocardiogram (EKG) and clarified that he was indeed having an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). They loaded him onto the stretcher and took him to WakeMed — the place to go for these events."

Steve says, "I would have gone home as I thought I had the flu. He knew otherwise. At the time, I did not realize how fortunate I was to have had him by my side, but it became very clear to me over the next two days." 

A Swift Ride to WakeMed

Within minutes, Wake County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on the scene. They rushed Steve to WakeMed Raleigh Campus Emergency Department. Steve arrived around 7:00 in the morning, and the WakeMed care team of about 15 people stepped into action. 

Steve recalls, "They moved quickly and cohesively to get me to the catheterization lab, asking me a barrage of questions. It was wild and a little overwhelming, but I sure was thankful."

A Serious Diagnosis and Surgical Success

Steve found himself on the procedure table in the catheterization lab by 7:30 am. WakeMed Heart & Vascular’s Andrew Sampson, MD, an interventional cardiologist, along with the WakeMed Heart & Vascular Invasive Cardiology care team, performed his procedure.

"Funny thing is my next-door neighbor is Dr. Sampson's brother, so I knew about him, but I did not make the connection that it was him until later. I had heard from his brother and sister-in-law that he was an amazing cardiologist and an even better person. That sure is true. WakeMed is fortunate to have this amazing doctor."

Steve was diagnosed with a 100 percent blockage in his right coronary artery and 60 to 70 percent in two other arteries. He also learned he was genetically predisposed to his heart condition. 

“Steve’s story is a great example of how not everyone has the typical symptoms associated with a heart attack," says Dr. Sampson. "Seeking medical attention early if you have new and concerning symptoms can be lifesaving. Steve’s quick recovery and excellent outcome is a tribute to the exceptional care provided by the entire EMS and WakeMed teams.”

The coronary angioplasty procedure was a success and by 8:30 that morning, Steve was lying comfortably in his patient room in the 2E Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU).

"I could not believe that just a few hours later, I felt like I could run sprints down the hallway of the ICU," Steve laughs. "I seriously wanted to run sprints, but my nurses stopped that idea."

Gratitude for Exceptional Patient Care

By the next morning, April 24, Steve was moved to a step down unit on the third floor as he progressed quickly during his recovery.

"What I experienced from being on the procedure table, to my stays in two different patient rooms, was simply awe-inspiring. First, being in 2E ICU was such a gift. My room was amazing. Nurses Coral and Aastha cared for me from 9 am to 7 pm. They were both so lovely, attentive and joyful. Mark, another nurse, showed up at 7 pm and carried me through the night. His joy of Kenya, America and life was beautiful. He was so attentive to the point he would not leave my room until he watched me take my medicine. I was impressed by his dogged determination. Dr. Sampson also came in that night and was just so kind."

On Thursday, April 25, nurse Kortney took over Steve's care. He also had positive encounters with many other staff. 

"Kortney was humbly sweet and sincere. Erin, the pharmacist, visited and was straightforward and knowledgeable about what my life was now going to look like in regard to medication. Liz, who supported me in cardiovascular education, came in and was equally informative and kind. Thatcher came in to do an echocardiogram. He was really impressive. I was then moved to the third floor where Nadia continued to provide excellent care. Later that day, I met Victoria. She is a gem — honest, attentive, fun, full of life. Victoria made my stay complete, making me laugh, cry and think. Aaron Kopp, the physician's assistant, was helpful about next steps and how to prepare for life post-hospital."

Later that day, Steve was discharged home with the tools, medication and confidence to move forward. He is hopeful he'll get the green light to start back running soon. In the meantime, he's strengthening his heart with less strenuous cardio exercise and adhering to his medication regimen laid out in his daily pill box. He acknowledges it was the swift and expert care he received from his primary care doctor, EMS and WakeMed that saved his life. 

"The care at WakeMed was truly inspiring. The hospitality, love and attention reflected not just knowledge of the mission statement, but the embodiment of it. All of that to say, whatever WakeMed is doing, keep doing it. The staff is tremendous. Their work, knowledge and expertise are top-notch. Their attention to a 'stranger' in their midst was remarkable."

Take Immediate Action

If you notice someone displaying symptoms of a cardiac event or heart attack, take immediate action. Do not delay.

Symptoms:

• Chest pain or chest discomfort that feels like pressure, tightness, squeezing or aching — It can last a few minutes, or it can happen, go away and then come back.
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back — It can also spread to the upper belly or into the teeth.
• Pain in one or both arms or shoulders
• Weakness, light-headedness, fainting, fatigue or sudden dizziness
• Sudden onset cold sweat or profuse sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

Action:

• Call 911. 
• If the person has lost consciousness and is unresponsive, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

Once the person has received proper care and is on the road to recovery, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and, once approved by a cardiologist, resume physical activity. 

Dr. Fischer observes, "We know that in the long-term — following a cardiac event — exercise will serve Steve well in helping him keep his heart healthy." 

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About WakeMed Emergency Care

The WakeMed system of emergency departments is one of the largest and busiest in North Carolina. As a result, we’ve pretty much seen it all. Our doctors are board certified in emergency medicine, are backed by the highest designated Trauma Center available and bring with them the depth of experience that you would expect from the area’s leader in emergency care.

So, rest assured that no matter where it hurts we’ve got you covered.

About WakeMed Heart & Vascular

WakeMed Heart & Vascular physicians bring together expert cardiovascular, thoracic and vascular surgeons who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of cardiovascular care in Wake County and surrounding areas For decades, these physicians have chosen to bring their talent and expertise to WakeMed for its reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care and commitment to providing the most exceptional patient experience.