Experience Counts.Story of a Survivor: Shan FernandegGARDtAC CATHETERTZATTON / ELECTROPHYSTOLOGY PROCEDURE

A few weeks after he tu,rngd 40, Shan started havring burning in the center of his -e hest. Since he was in

gqgd shape, didn't smoke and thought he was in good health, Shan really didn't pay much attention to thediseomfort. Even though he had a history of heart disgase in his far4ily, Shan had regular physicals and thoughthe was fine. When the chest pain worsened, he got an EK$ which showed no indications of a heart attack. Shan

cfralked up the chest pain and discomfort to acid geflux and went about his daily routine.

However, eonditions did not improve. Every time Shan wgnt jogging or worked out, he experienced pain in thecenter of his chest. After enduring chest pain when he exercised for five (5) monlhs, Shan ended up dropping tohis knees after a jog. However, at this point, Shan still believed he had acid reflux and decided to lie down whilehis family went to get the antacid medicine. However, his brilliant three year old daughter Madison encouraged

hirn to go with them. Madison's smart decision may have saved her father's life.

With his entire family in the car on the way to get antacids, Shan suffered a massivemyocardial infarction resulting in "sudden death'i Fortunately, his wife wasdriving and took him to a nearby fire station. The medics revived his pulse andtransferred him to St. Petersburg General Hospital. Once he was stabilized, Shanwas transferred to the Tampa Bay Heart lnstitute at Northside Hospital.

It turned out that Shan had a 99a/o blockage in his left interior descending aorta.Dr. Wassmer, an interventional cardiologist at the Tampa Bay Heart lnstitute,

inserted a stent, and after a couple of days, Shan was able to return hometo the family that saved his life.

When asked why he would choose the Tampa Bay Heart lnstitute,Shan replied that lris experience was a positive one because theysaved his life. He was also impressed with the friendliness of

the staff and doctors. Shan liked Dr. Wassmer's optimistic andpersonable attitude, and believed Dr. Wassmer's expertise wasvital in saving his life.

Shant message to you is this. . . Don't ignore the warning signsof a heart attack. lf you experience chest pain, jaw tightness,shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, sweating,

and anxiety, call 91 1 and go immediately to theTarnpa Bay Heartlnstitute. lt could save your life.