Aurora, CO,
07
February
2023
|
20:00 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

UCHealth patient Calvin Downs survives massive heart attack thanks to his daughter’s quick actions.

UCHealth patient Calvin Downs was at home one night in November when he began to feel unwell. “I felt very cold. My wife, Melaine, asked me if we should go to the ER. I said ‘yes,’ and that was the last thing I remember for nearly 48 hours,” Downs said. “As we were preparing to leave, I collapsed in our first-floor bathroom. Our 22-year old daughter, Emily, who is CPR certified began chest compressions while Melaine called 911.”

Downs suffered a cardiac arrest caused by two complete blockages in his left anterior descending artery (LAD). The LAD is the heart’s largest artery and delivers nearly 50% of its blood supply. A blockage in the LAD is often referred to as a ‘widow-maker’ due to the high mortality rate of patients who experience this condition.

Downs was taken to UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, where it took roughly two hours to resuscitate him.

“The chance of surviving a heart attack with a prolonged out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is low, with only about one in two patients making a meaningful recovery.” Dr. Rory Bricker, an interventional cardiologist at UCHealth said. “Immediate bystander CPR is critical and markedly increases the chance of surviving without significant neurologic injury.”

When someone is in cardiac arrest, mortality can increase by 10 percent for every minute that passes without CPR. The fact that Downs’ daughter recognized his situation and started CPR immediately greatly improved his chances of survival.

“Emily did not panic, but instead, used her skills to perform CPR, demonstrating that knowing CPR can truly save a life,” Downs said. “I was told my survival required everything to work nearly perfectly from the moment of my cardiac arrest until I left the hospital. God certainly used the skills of the physicians, nurses, CNAs – the entire team – to save my life.”

Just three short months later, Downs is back at work full-time and is making tremendous progress to a full recovery. Now, he encourages others to get CPR certified.

“I had my annual physical just five days before my heart attack, and as always, had excellent cholesterol numbers. I am living proof that a seemingly clean bill of health does not prevent a heart attack.” Downs said.

The American Heart Association is one of many organizations that offer community CPR/AED courses and classes, and a variety of resources promoting heart health. Learn more by visiting their website.