Facebook post by Dr. Steve Lome
Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2022 10:34 am
Facebook post by Dr. Steve Lome 2022-11-19:
I ran a half marathon this past weekend. I feel quite honored to work as a cardiologist and use my training for the benefit of others, but I never expected those skills to be needed in this manner outside of work.
At mile 3 right in front of me a runner went down. Cardiac arrest. Started CPR…people called 911. Defibrillator arrived in about 6 minutes and rhythm was ventricular fibrillation (fatal arrhythmia). One shock and normal heart rhythm restored.
Got the patient into the ablulance with paramedics and he was awake/alert and stable off to the hospital. Somewhat frazzled I kept running to finish the race (no way I was going to catch my 16 yo daughter and 14 son at this point, they were ahead of me anyways)...
THEN…
I crossed the finish line and threw my arms in the air…and ANOTHER runner goes down right in front of me. Completely out. No pulse. Started CPR. Within 1-2 minutes a race volunteer brought an AED (defibrillator). Placed the pads on his chest. Shock advised indicating a fatal arrhythmia is again present. One shock and I restart chest compressions. He opens his eyes and says “Why am I down here?” then proceeds to stop his Strava on his watch and wants to get up. To the hospital he goes.
Both had undiagnosed heart disease, out of hospital cardiac arrest and made full recoveries.
What are the odds that two people have a cardiac arrest in one race?
What are the odds they both make a full recovery (normally only 5% survive out of hospital cardiac arrest)?
What are the odds that the same cardiologist happens to be right behind them both???
Kudos to the medical volunteers at the race and the Big Sur Marathon Foundation for their efforts organizing the event with ample medical volunteers that were well trained and ready to act. Being alert and ready to bring an AED as fast as possible saved two lives.
I still can’t believe this happened. Enjoy every day. Focus on your health. THIS is why we need to focus America on prevention of heart disease since the first symptom of heart disease in 1 out 3 people is sudden death like these two individuals almost succumbed to.
Eliminate processed foods. Dramatically reduce or eliminate animal foods, focus on eating as much unprocessed plant based foods as you can. Exercise is only 20% of heart health, diet is the most important part!
For those in healthcare, check out the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
To learn more about diet and heart health, watch The Game Changers on Netflix, Forks Over Knives and read the book How Not to Die by Dr Michael Greger.
When I give community presentations I always end with telling people that even if you are not in healthcare treating patients…YOU have the power to save lives by promoting a healthy lifestyle including eating a more whole food plant based diet.
Stay healthy and safe.
I ran a half marathon this past weekend. I feel quite honored to work as a cardiologist and use my training for the benefit of others, but I never expected those skills to be needed in this manner outside of work.
At mile 3 right in front of me a runner went down. Cardiac arrest. Started CPR…people called 911. Defibrillator arrived in about 6 minutes and rhythm was ventricular fibrillation (fatal arrhythmia). One shock and normal heart rhythm restored.
Got the patient into the ablulance with paramedics and he was awake/alert and stable off to the hospital. Somewhat frazzled I kept running to finish the race (no way I was going to catch my 16 yo daughter and 14 son at this point, they were ahead of me anyways)...
THEN…
I crossed the finish line and threw my arms in the air…and ANOTHER runner goes down right in front of me. Completely out. No pulse. Started CPR. Within 1-2 minutes a race volunteer brought an AED (defibrillator). Placed the pads on his chest. Shock advised indicating a fatal arrhythmia is again present. One shock and I restart chest compressions. He opens his eyes and says “Why am I down here?” then proceeds to stop his Strava on his watch and wants to get up. To the hospital he goes.
Both had undiagnosed heart disease, out of hospital cardiac arrest and made full recoveries.
What are the odds that two people have a cardiac arrest in one race?
What are the odds they both make a full recovery (normally only 5% survive out of hospital cardiac arrest)?
What are the odds that the same cardiologist happens to be right behind them both???
Kudos to the medical volunteers at the race and the Big Sur Marathon Foundation for their efforts organizing the event with ample medical volunteers that were well trained and ready to act. Being alert and ready to bring an AED as fast as possible saved two lives.
I still can’t believe this happened. Enjoy every day. Focus on your health. THIS is why we need to focus America on prevention of heart disease since the first symptom of heart disease in 1 out 3 people is sudden death like these two individuals almost succumbed to.
Eliminate processed foods. Dramatically reduce or eliminate animal foods, focus on eating as much unprocessed plant based foods as you can. Exercise is only 20% of heart health, diet is the most important part!
For those in healthcare, check out the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
To learn more about diet and heart health, watch The Game Changers on Netflix, Forks Over Knives and read the book How Not to Die by Dr Michael Greger.
When I give community presentations I always end with telling people that even if you are not in healthcare treating patients…YOU have the power to save lives by promoting a healthy lifestyle including eating a more whole food plant based diet.
Stay healthy and safe.