CHILLICOTHE, OH — December 16, 2024 – What was meant to be a relaxing two-day trip to the Circleville Pumpkin Show turned into a life-saving experience for 77-year-old Bernice Alexander and her husband. During their first day at the annual festival, Bernice unexpectedly experienced a heart attack but was quickly saved by Adena Health interventional cardiologist Dr. Hafeez Hassan and his medical team.
The couple had traveled from Cincinnati to attend the festival when Bernice began to feel unwell. While her husband waited for pumpkin donuts, Bernice stepped away briefly and felt a sharp pain in her chest.
“I took about 10 more steps and told him I just wasn’t feeling well,” she recalled.
After taking a few minutes to rest without improvement, Bernice and her husband decided to call 911. Two firefighters responded promptly, checked her vitals, and ruled out a stroke while preparing for the arrival of an ambulance. Though not having a prior history of heart problems, Bernice’s condition was serious enough to warrant an immediate hospital visit.
Rapid Response at Adena Regional Medical Center
The ambulance transported Bernice to Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, where she was quickly assessed and rushed to the cardiac catheterization lab. There, Dr. Hafeez Hassan and his team were ready, and with what Bernice described as “a reassuring smile,” they began life-saving treatment.
Bernice was suffering from a 100% blockage in her main artery, commonly referred to as a “widowmaker.” This type of blockage can quickly lead to death if not treated promptly. Fortunately, Dr. Hassan inserted a stent to restore blood flow, effectively saving her life.
Time was critical. The stent was successfully placed just 31 minutes after her arrival—well within the American College of Cardiology’s benchmark of 90 minutes.
“They were excellent,” Bernice said of her care team. “They took good care of me. They were professional and pleasant and didn’t make me feel like an outsider.”
A Full Recovery and Grateful Heart
Following the procedure, Bernice experienced no complications and was back in her active lifestyle just two weeks after her heart attack. She has since chosen to return to Adena for her regular cardiac care, highlighting her trust in the medical center and its dedicated professionals.
“Dr. Hassan was pleasant and positive and did a great job,” Bernice said. “When you are in a town that’s not your own, you may wonder about the hospital and its capabilities and the staff’s skills. Everyone at Adena was very capable and reassuring.”
Bernice’s unexpected experience underscores the importance of having skilled healthcare providers and access to advanced care close to home.
For more information about the Adena Heart and Vascular Institute and the services they provide, visit adena.org/heart.
