12/11/2025
Know the signs and get help if you feel the symptoms of a heart attack.
After 40 minutes of shoveling heavy, wet snow, Kyle Wessels went into the house, sweating and overheated, much more than normal. He ripped off his jacket and sweatshirt. It only got worse. Out of nowhere, he felt an intense pressure on his chest.
He screamed his wife’s name, then dropped to the floor in pain. Michelle called 911. The EMTs arrived in under five minutes.
"You're having a heart attack."
One of the main arteries in his heart was blocked, preventing normal blood flow. Doctors inserted two stents to open the blockage and implanted a pump to keep his heart beating properly. Doctors told Kyle the blockage was likely caused by a piece of plaque breaking off. But they couldn't understand why he had plaque buildup in the first place. He was healthy, fit, and ate a healthy diet.
"I realized how some things are out of your control," he said. "I had some dark days. It was a very humbling time." He reached out to friends. He became connected with fellow heart patients. Hearing their stories helped.
These days, all is well. After experiencing an irregular heartbeat during rehab, Kyle has an implantable pacemaker and cardiac defibrillator to make sure his heart maintains a normal rhythm. He’s even more mindful of his diet and is as active as ever; golf is his top passion.
But shoveling snow? Never again.
