A Lesson From R.T. Rybak For All Of Us: Every Second Counts
Cardiac distress can strike even fit and healthy athletes. Learn the symptoms recognized by R.T. Rybak’s friends—and how their fast action saved his life.
Former Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak is fit, healthy, and an enthusiastic cross-country skier. When he hit the trails in lovely Theodore Wirth park last Saturday, an impending health crisis was probably the furthest thing from his mind. But the unexpected happens. Vigorous exercise carries risks as well as rewards. The risks shouldn’t keep us from staying fit; but they can remind us to be prepared. With a little education, we can recognize and react promptly to warning signs like the numbness that flags frostbite, or the shortness of breath that can signal cardiac distress.
When Rybak started feeling chest pain and shortness of breath, he headed to his car and called his wife. According to news reports, two friends who had just finished skiing themselves happened to notice him sitting in his car, obviously in distress. They called 911 immediately, even though Rybak asked them to wait. Later, Rybak’s doctor credited their quick action for likely saving Rybak’s life.
“Rybak’s reaction is not unusual,” says Summit sports medicine sub-specialist Dr. Kirk Scofield. “We expect a heart attack to be sudden and intense, but most of them start slowly, with mild discomfort. Often, people are confused about what’s happening, and try to ride out the pain. But when it comes to a heart attack, minutes matter, and any delay can be deadly. Medical advances are able to treat heart attacks more successfully than ever before, but timing is critical. Clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks, but are most effective when given as soon as symptoms appear.”
Lifesaving treatment hangs on fast action. By learning these signs of a heart attack—which are slightly different for men and women, you’ll be prepared to help.
Heart attack symptoms in men
The most common symptoms are the ones Rybak experienced: chest pain, discomfort, profuse sweating, and/or difficulty breathing.
Heart attack symptoms in women
Like men, the most common symptoms for women are chest pain, discomfort, sweating and shortness of breath, but women are more likely than men to experience nausea or vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, and arm, back or jaw pain. The indications can be subtle; some women assume their symptoms are signs of the flu.
Remember, someone in cardiac arrest may not exhibit all of the signs of a heart attack. The symptoms can be tricky to recognize, and can come and go. Even if you are not sure you are witnessing or having a heart attack, don’t take chances. Call 911 within 5 minutes of experiencing or witnessing any of these symptoms. Don’t wait. Fast action is critical.
We’d love to see every heart attack resolve like Rybak’s—with a happy ending. When you know what to look for and what to do, the happy ending might be your own.
Summit Orthopedics supports healthy communities
Community health flourishes when specialized orthopedic care is conveniently available close to home. Summit Orthopedics is proud of our fellowship-trained subspecialty teams offering the full spectrum of orthopedic expertise in bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, and joint conditions—in addition to our wellness, prevention, and rehabilitation services. We have the expertise to proactively improve fitness, evaluate discomfort, and deliver personalized treatment to quickly and safely return you to the lifestyle you love.
Start your journey to a healthier, more active self. Visit our Facebook page to learn about our wellness services and schedule a free wellness consultation online. Find your orthopedic expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
More resources for you
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Amy Wagner, PT, DPT
Motivation can go a long ways.
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James Gannon, M.D.
“Leading an active lifestyle provides an additional motivation to provide orthopedic care that will allow patients to return to the activities they enjoy.”
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