Reflection and Change

In his forties, Jeff Seay wasn’t expecting to have a heart attack. But about two years ago, that’s exactly what happened — and for the better.

After gaining a few extra pounds, Jeff decided it was time to get rid of the weight and begin regularly exercising. It was during a routine workout when he suffered from a heart attack and collapsed. His wife, a registered nurse, immediately started CPR and called 911.

The ambulance came and took Jeff directly to the cardiac catheterization lab at Methodist North Hospital where he underwent a procedure to place a stent in his heart to open one of the main arteries.

Doctor’s found that Jeff’s proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery, which supplies blood to the front of the left side of the heart, was 99% blocked. “If this artery isn’t quickly opened up to restore blood flow, it will cause a massive heart attack that often leads to sudden death,” said Claro Diaz, MD, a cardiologist with Sutherland Cardiology Clinic, which is part of Methodist Healthcare.

Jeff says having a heart attack and cardiac arrest have changed his life for the better. He now closely monitors his blood pressure and cholesterol, has a regular exercise routine and has made more time for his family.

“I feel great now,” says Seay. “100% better.”