On a spring morning in 2022, Erik Stover was in a Morristown, New Jersey, emergency department unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Dr. Mansoor Khan, Chief Clinical Officer of ENVOY, and the Morristown Emergency Medicine team were working in the ER that day. Dr. Khan and the team worked to return Erik’s heartbeat and circulation, giving him a second chance at life.
On a spring morning in 2022, Erik Stover was in a Morristown, New Jersey, emergency department unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Dr. Mansoor Khan, Chief Clinical Officer of ENVOY, and the Morristown Emergency Medicine team were working in the ER that day. Dr. Khan and the team worked to return Erik’s heartbeat and circulation, giving him a second chance at life.
Erik, who was 49 then, lived a relatively healthy lifestyle, but while jogging earlier that morning, he noticed his rising heart rate and increasing chest pain. Having lost a close friend to a heart attack 20 years prior, he recognized these as the same symptoms his friend had experienced and took heed. Erik returned to the parking lot, and a bystander found him sitting on the ground next to his car and called 911. He was immediately transported to the hospital.
He was diagnosed with a massive heart attack, which was caused by a complete blockage of a major artery in his heart. Thanks to the series of events that led to his arrival at the hospital and the medical team’s quick and decisive actions, he is now back to living an active lifestyle. In addition to thanking the team that saved his life, he wants everyone to know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and when to seek immediate medical attention.
The sooner a heart attack is treated, the better chance an individual has at surviving and recovering. If a heart attack is suspected, call 911.
Signs of a Heart Attack
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling lightheaded
- Fainting
- Pain in one or both arms or shoulders
- Pain in the jaw, neck or back
- Breaking out into a cold sweat
Risk Factors for a Heart Attack
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Family history of heart disease
- Known history of previous heart disease
- Smoking