Amit (name changed), a 45-year-old man, arrived at the Emergency Department of Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, just past midnight with severe chest pain radiating to his left arm. He was sweating profusely, breathless, and visibly anxious. His ECG showed alarming changes consistent with an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)—a major heart attack caused by a sudden blockage in a coronary artery.
Understanding the urgency, the Cardiac Emergency Team activated the Code STEMI protocol, ensuring Amit was moved quickly for a coronary angiography. The test revealed a critical 100% blockage in his left anterior descending (LAD) artery—often referred to as the “widow-maker” artery due to its high-risk nature.
The interventional cardiologist immediately proceeded with an emergency primary angioplasty (percutaneous coronary intervention – PCI). Through a tiny puncture in the wrist, a catheter was guided to the blocked artery. A fine wire crossed the blockage, followed by balloon dilatation to restore initial blood flow. A drug-eluting stent was then implanted to keep the artery open and prevent future narrowing.
The procedure was completed within minutes, restoring blood supply to the heart muscle just in time. Amit’s chest pain subsided almost instantly, and his vital signs stabilised.
He was shifted to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) for close monitoring. Over the next few days, his heart function improved steadily, and he began walking with support. He was discharged with a personalised cardiac rehabilitation plan and lifestyle guidance.
Today, Amit is living a healthier, symptom-free life—proof that timely angioplasty and expert cardiac care can truly save lives, even in the dead of night.
