When Frankfort-area resident Jim Starr attended this year’s Ross County Fair with his son, Rick, the last thing he expected was an encounter with Hafeez Hassan, MD, Adena Health interventional cardiologist. By the time the day ended, however, he was thankful it did.
Recognizing the signs of a heart attack
Jim, 90, was in his motorized wheelchair heading from the show arena to one of the fairgrounds’ air-conditioned buildings when he felt something wasn’t quite right.
“All of a sudden, I noticed a strange feeling in my chest,” Jim recalls. “I said something to my son about it and he asked if I wanted to go to first aid.”
It was the right decision. Jim was experiencing a heart attack and was rushed to the emergency department at Adena Regional Medical Center for treatment.
While Jim doesn’t remember much of what happened after arriving at the hospital, Rick says he was impressed with Dr. Hassan and the care team.
“Dr. Hassan was very good and didn’t wait to address the problem,” Rick says. “When they came out to talk with me, they had already put a stent in. They said his blood vessel was 100% blocked on his right side and it really needed to be opened up quickly.”
The family was kept informed every step of the way. When Rick was able to rejoin his father in a recovery room, Jim appeared to be resting comfortably and was no longer in pain.
Recovery and reflection
Jim spent about a week recovering at the hospital in Chillicothe, then an additional three days in rehabilitation at Adena Fayette Medical Center before returning home. For Jim, who had never been diagnosed with heart issues before the incident, recovery has been successful.
“I’m doing well and don’t see how things could have gone any better than they did,” Jim says. “I haven’t had a bit of chest pain or real discomfort since it happened.”
Dr. Hassan emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and being aware of new or unusual symptoms.
“Heart disease can remain silent for years,” Dr. Hassan says. “As we age, arteries naturally stiffen, plaque accumulates, and heart function changes. That’s why any new symptoms, regardless of age or known risk factors, should prompt immediate medical evaluation.”
Your heart health matters
Whether you experience unexpected heart issues like Jim’s or are managing a chronic condition, the team at Adena Heart and Vascular Institute is ready to help. Visit Adena.org/Heart or call 740-779-4570 to schedule an appointment.