Abdelrahman
Doctor Discovers His Own Heart Attack While Treating a Patient in Timmins, Ontario
In an astonishing turn of events, a doctor in Timmins, Ontario, realized he was suffering from a heart attack while providing care to a patient experiencing similar symptoms. Dr. Chris Loreto had been enduring severe chest pain for over four months, mistakenly attributing it to acid reflux. The discomfort intensified during physical activities, and the medications prescribed by his doctor offered no relief.
On November 12, while playing hockey, the pain reached a peak. Yet, Dr. Loreto "shrugged it off," as noted in a statement from the Timmins and District Hospital (TDH), where he practiced.
The following morning, he returned to work. Towards the end of his shift, he encountered a patient who was undergoing a massive heart attack. Dr. Loreto immediately intervened and later spoke with the patient’s wife to discuss the man’s symptoms prior to this critical incident. Interestingly, both men were taking the same acid reflux medication.
Reflecting on the situation, Dr. Loreto commented, "His story was my story."
Recognizing the potential seriousness of his own symptoms, Dr. Loreto sought assistance from his colleagues to conduct tests, including bloodwork and an EKG. The results confirmed that he was indeed experiencing a heart attack, as reported by the hospital.
In retrospect, he expressed regret for not taking his prolonged chest pains more seriously, particularly during moments of exertion. Fortunately, after the heart attack was diagnosed, he was admitted to a room across from the patient whose life he had just saved. The patient’s wife later visited him in the hospital, expressing her gratitude.
With deep appreciation, she stated, "Thank you for saving my husband’s life." Dr. Loreto humbly replied, "No, thank you for saving my life."
