Heart attack at 46 led to a new heart and new outlook on life
Jan 4, 2023
Eddie Garcia of San Jose, California, had many complications after his heart attack, including cardiac arrest and heart failure. He now has a new heart.
Stories From the Heart
This series from American Heart Association News chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.
AHA News' most-read survivor stories of 2022
Dec 23, 2022
Nearly 100 survivors were featured this year. Here are the top stories that inspired readers.
Days before Christmas, new mom had a stroke
Dec 22, 2022
Ashley Hammontree of Greenwood, Missouri, had a stroke just before Christmas 2016. Her husband, a former EMT, knew the signs and called 911.
Heart transplant recipient honors her donor 'by living the best possible life I can'
Dec 20, 2022
Linda Jara was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at age 35. Seven years later, she needed a new heart. Despite early complications and ongoing difficulties, she remains optimistic.
He used to hike mountains. A stroke left him learning to walk again.
Dec 16, 2022
Richard Samuelian of Fresno, California, used his love for the outdoors as inspiration to recover. Now he's back to hiking and enjoying Yosemite National Park with his family.
Kentucky Wildcats basketball player won't be sidelined by heart surgery
Dec 13, 2022
Tionna Herron of DeSoto, Texas, was ready to take the court for the University of Kentucky when heart surgery delayed her debut. Coaches have found other ways to put her skills to use as she recovers.
He collapsed after 2-on-2 basketball game against his son. His teammate saved his life.
Dec 8, 2022
Baltimore dad John Holschuh collapsed after playing basketball with a fellow dad and their teenage sons. Quick thinking and action from his CPR-trained friend saved his life.
A heart attack during pregnancy, then heart valve surgery
Dec 7, 2022
When she was five months pregnant, Marisa MacDonnell of Montclair, New Jersey, was told she faced a risky delivery. Then she had a heart attack and, later, a valve replacement.
After cardiac arrest at a college basketball game, he's ready to cheer again
Dec 2, 2022
Longtime University of Maryland basketball fan Stan Goldstein went into cardiac arrest during an away game.
3 heart surgeries and a mini-stroke by age 35. This year? 3 marathons
Nov 29, 2022
Justin Cadelago of New York City used to find running boring. After his transient ischemic attack, it became a way to ease fear and anxiety.