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Young Man's Widowmaker Heart Attack Miraculously Survived
18 Feb
Summary
- A 26-year-old experienced a 'widowmaker' heart attack with 25% heart function.
- His wife performed CPR for 10 minutes before emergency services arrived.
- Doctors linked his heart issues to type 1 diabetes, diagnosed at age 12.
A routine summer night turned into a life-or-death struggle for Chase Spangler, who collapsed from a severe heart attack. His wife, Micaela, a nursing student, found him unresponsive and not breathing. She immediately called 911 and began CPR, performing chest compressions for ten minutes until emergency medical services arrived.
Transported to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, doctors discovered the 26-year-old had a "widowmaker" heart attack, with his heart functioning at only 25% capacity. The main artery in his heart was completely blocked. This critical condition necessitated a triple bypass surgery.
Physicians identified Chase Spangler's type 1 diabetes, diagnosed at age 12, as a contributing factor. High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can lead to inflammation and damage blood vessels. Seven months after the event, Chase Spangler has made a full recovery, with his diabetes now well-managed.
