Doctor Has Heart Attack While Treating Patient: A Wake-Up Call for Healthcare Workers

A Doctor’s Wake-Up Call: Realizing He’s Having a heart attack While Treating a Patient

In a story that could easily be mistaken for a plot twist in a medical drama, Dr. Chris Loreto, an emergency physician at Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) in Canada, found himself in the very situation he’s spent years treating: he was having a heart attack. But what makes this story even more surprising is that it unfolded while Loreto was actively helping another patient who was undergoing a massive heart attack.

This unusual and unsettling experience is more than just a shocking tale; it’s a reminder of how vital it is for healthcare professionals to take care of their own health, no matter how busy they are looking after others.

A Doctor’s Own Journey with Heart Health

Dr. Loreto had been dealing with frequent bouts of discomfort for months. The pain, often associated with physical activity, was something he chalked up to acid reflux. Despite taking the medication prescribed for acid reflux, the pain persisted, showing no signs of improving.

However, Dr. Loreto, like many of us, dismissed his symptoms. He shrugged off the discomfort, assuming it was nothing more than indigestion, and continued with his daily routine. He never imagined that these seemingly innocent symptoms were linked to something much more serious: a heart attack.

The turning point came on November 12, when Loreto experienced severe discomfort during a hockey game. The pain was concentrated around his shoulders, and though it was intense, he ignored it yet again. The next day, he returned to work, unaware that his own health was hanging in the balance.

The Moment of Realization

It wasn’t until Dr. Loreto was helping a patient who was suffering from a massive heart attack that he had a sudden and alarming realization: the symptoms of the patient were eerily similar to what he had been experiencing. This man, too, had been on medication for acid reflux, and the more Dr. Loreto spoke with the patient's wife and examined his condition, the more he noticed the overlap with his own symptoms.

It was then that the proverbial light bulb went on. "His story was my story," says Dr. Loreto. As a doctor who had spent years diagnosing and treating heart attacks, he knew this was no coincidence.

Prompted by this sudden awareness, Dr. Loreto underwent blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG), which confirmed the worst: he was indeed suffering from a heart attack. This was a shocking revelation for a physician who had spent his career saving others from similar fates.

The Aftermath: Medical Leave and Rehabilitation

Following the diagnosis, Dr. Loreto has taken medical leave to recover and focus on his own health. Part of his treatment includes the insertion of stents—tiny tubes placed in his arteries to improve blood flow. The stents will help ensure that his heart receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs, a crucial step in his recovery process.

The incident was not only a personal wake-up call for Dr. Loreto, but it also highlighted a significant issue in the medical profession: healthcare professionals are often the last to take care of their own health. Dr. Loreto, who has spent decades working in emergency medicine, admitted that he didn’t take his own symptoms seriously, despite recognizing them in his patients. This sense of invincibility—a feeling of being “bulletproof”—is something many doctors experience, often at the expense of their own well-being.

"We're wonderful at taking care of others and stink at taking care of ourselves," Dr. Loreto reflects. This statement underscores a harsh truth that many healthcare workers face: the demanding nature of the profession can lead to neglecting personal health, even when there are clear warning signs of serious conditions.

Understanding Heart Attacks: Causes and Risk Factors

Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the heart muscle. This lack of oxygen causes the heart muscle cells to die, potentially leading to permanent damage or even death. Heart attacks can occur suddenly, and sometimes without warning. However, in many cases, there are subtle symptoms that can be overlooked or mistaken for something else—like indigestion, fatigue, or even anxiety.

There are several risk factors for heart disease, many of which are modifiable. A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption all contribute to the risk of a heart attack. Genetics also play a critical role: Dr. Loreto’s father experienced a heart attack at around the same age, indicating a potential familial predisposition.

In Dr. Loreto’s case, his risk factors weren’t immediately clear. He had always considered himself in relatively good health, which contributed to his failure to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack. However, it’s important to note that heart attacks can occur in individuals who do not have obvious risk factors.

Preventing heart disease: What We Can Learn

While the experience was undoubtedly a traumatic one, Dr. Loreto’s story is also a valuable lesson in heart disease prevention. Scientists and healthcare professionals continue to research new ways to prevent heart attacks, improve outcomes for patients, and understand the patterns that contribute to cardiovascular events.

One of the key lessons from this story is the importance of regular exercise. Dr. Loreto credits his relatively active lifestyle with preventing a worse outcome. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and reduces the risk of heart disease. In Dr. Loreto’s case, his ability to continue working as a physician during this health crisis was likely aided by his good cardiovascular health, which may have lessened the severity of the heart attack.

Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack. These can include chest or shoulder pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. Dr. Loreto admits that, despite his extensive experience with heart disease, he didn’t fully acknowledge the warning signs in his own body. This is something many healthcare workers can relate to—when you’re always taking care of others, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself.

Raising Awareness for Heart Health

The heart attack that Dr. Loreto suffered has since been publicized by Timmins and District Hospital to raise awareness for Heart Month 2025. This is an important initiative, as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming nearly 18 million lives annually. By sharing his personal experience, Dr. Loreto hopes to emphasize the importance of recognizing the symptoms of heart disease and prioritizing one’s health, even for those who are dedicated to caring for others.

Heart health is a shared responsibility. While factors like genetics and environmental influences play a role in heart disease, taking proactive steps to manage risk factors—such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress—can make a significant difference in heart health outcomes.

Final Thoughts: A Physician's Perspective on Health

Dr. Loreto’s story serves as a stark reminder to all healthcare professionals—and everyone, really—that self-care is as important as the care we provide to others. No one is invincible, and even those who spend their lives saving others need to prioritize their own well-being. heart disease doesn’t discriminate, and early recognition of symptoms can make all the difference in the outcome.

For those in the medical field, it’s especially important to remember that we are just as vulnerable as our patients. Taking time to monitor our own health, seeking medical attention when necessary, and not dismissing symptoms can help ensure that we are there to care for others when they need us most.