Fox Cities News

Dave Grable, a former firefighter and first responder, experienced a heart attack while playing racquetball at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA in February 2024. Despite his active lifestyle and history of participating in marathons and triathlons, Grable was caught off guard by the event. He recalls feeling fatigued during the game but dismissed it as he continued playing.

Grable's friend Steve noticed something was wrong when Grable collapsed after taking just a few steps towards a water fountain. Quick action by Steve and other bystanders ensured that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started almost immediately, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) was used within two minutes of his collapse.

Emergency teams from Neenah-Menasha Fire & Rescue and ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton responded swiftly. "The paramedic looked at me and said, ‘Dave, we believe you had a heart attack,’" Grable recounted upon regaining consciousness.

At ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton, Cardiologist Dr. Ameer Kabour identified a 100% blockage in Grable's left anterior descending artery—commonly known as the widow-maker artery—and placed a stent to restore blood flow. "A heart attack results from shutting down one of the heart arteries," Dr. Kabour explained. A subsequent procedure addressed an 80% blockage in another artery.

Despite leading an active life, Grable acknowledges that genetic factors played a role; several family members had suffered heart attacks before him. Dr. Kabour emphasized the importance of awareness for those with a strong family history of heart disease: "Having a strong family history is a major risk factor for having a heart attack."

Grable has since made lifestyle changes to further reduce his risk, focusing on diet modifications alongside his usual physical activities.

Reflecting on his experience during American Heart Month, Grable expressed gratitude towards those who helped save his life: "The outcome of what happened to me was so good because of every individual who played a part." He urges others to listen to their bodies if they feel unusual symptoms.

Dr. Kabour highlighted the critical nature of emergency responses during cardiac events: "When someone is having a heart attack, emergency steps are so important."

For more information about cardiovascular health care services offered by ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care, individuals are encouraged to seek professional guidance.