Latest news with #heartattack
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I survived deadliest sort of heart attack - this is what I saw during my near-death experience
A mother-of-three who had a near-death experience after suffering one of the deadliest types of heart attack has revealed in vivid detail what she felt and saw 'on the other side'. Jenna Tanner, 49, who is now writing a book about the astonishing ordeal, said it has made her realise what really matters in life. Ms Tanner, from Oklahoma, admits she mistook the first signs—chest pain and breathlessness— as the flu, something her children had recently recovered from. But just a few days later, on 9 March 2022, the stay-at-home mother suffered a 'widowmaker' heart attack, causing her to lose consciousness. These attacks occur when there is a full blockage in the heart's biggest artery—and just 12 per cent of victims survive one. Ms Tanner said: 'It felt like an elephant had walked in on my chest and I knew instantly what was happening.' Recalling her 'out of body' experience, Ms Tanner said: 'It was like floating through space. I was getting closer to what I would describe as a nebula. 'There was a big cloud of colors moving that were changing. Everything was vivid stars. I was just floating peacefully.' 'Not once did I remember or relive any bad parts of life. Everything that I thought about was the connections I had made with people or places while I was alive. 'It was just all the good stuff.' Luckily, family members had called emergency services—medics arrived just 13 minutes later and were able to resuscitate her, saving her life. Referring to Ms Tanner as a 'miracle' case, her cardiologist said: 'In a 20-year career and over 4,000 surgeries, I've never seen anything like this. 'I didn't even know people could survive this.' When Ms Tanner arrived in hospital, cardiologists implanted a heart pump and a stent to widen the narrowed artery—a procedure which usually requires heart bypass surgery—and restore blood flow to the heart. And after just ten days in hospital—six of which she spent in intensive care—the mother-of-three walked out on her own, unaided by doctors. Yet her recovery has been far from easy, seeing her gain almost three stone—which she has since lost—and suffer post-traumatic stress disorder. The fire department reached Jenna's home within 13 minutes, providing a life-saving service which saw Jenna walk out of hospital just 10 days after suffering a serious heart attack She now has to take thirteen different types of medication to manage her symptoms. The fire department, which came to Ms Tanner's rescue as it was closest to where she lived, has since received an award for reaching her in record time and providing life-saving care. A widowmaker heart attack occurs when a blood clot completely obstructs the left main coronary artery (LMCA), the most critical artery of the heart. Within minutes, this can cut-off life-giving oxygen to the heart and the muscle can die. Even if a person receives immediate treatment, this sort of heart attack can cause irreversible tissue damage that can permanently affect the functioning of the heart muscle. Researchers are now urging health authorities to update current guidelines so more people can be tested for early warning signs—potentially saving thousands of lives. Ms Tanner's case comes amid a worrying rise in premature deaths from heart attacks and strokes, which last year reached their highest level in over a decade. MailOnline has previously reported that the number of under-40s treated by the NHS for heart attacks is also climbing, with soaring obesity rates and related health issues believed to be key drivers. In the UK, around 420 people of working age die of as a result of heart disease each week, totalling an alarming 21,975 a year. Cardiovascular disease is America's number one killer and nearly 1million people die of it every year.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida Rep. Joe Casello dies following heart attack
Veteran Florida state legislator Joe Casello died late Friday, July 18, after suffering a massive heart attack earlier in the month. The 73-year-old Democrat had represented Florida House District 90, an area of Palm Beach County including Boynton Beach, since 2018. "We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack," the Florida House Democratic Caucus said in a social media post announcing his death. "The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time." Nikki Fried, chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, said he would be "deeply missed." More politics news: Trump approval rating drops in new poll; more Americans oppose immigration policies Remembering Rep. Joe Casello A private ceremony will be held in the family's home state of Massachusetts, the caucus said, and a public memorial service will be announced in the coming weeks. Casello was a firefighter for 33 years in Worcester, Massachusetts, before moving to Palm Beach County. His first entry into politics was in 2013, when he became a city commissioner in Boynton Beach. Last November, he was reelected to a fourth term in the state House by a double-digit margin. He had filed papers to run for the Palm Beach County Commission in November 2026. Gov. Ron DeSantis will need to call a special election to fill Casello's seat, according to Florida state law. Casello was taken off life support the morning of July 18, after he was taken to regional hospital about two weeks ago after complaining of chest pains, the Palm Beach Post reported. State Rep. Mike Caruso, R-Delray Beach, was a close friend, and told the Palm Beach Post he and his wife visited Casello for about half an hour July 17. "He was very lucid," Caruso said. "I asked him if there was anything I could do for him. He said: 'See if you could get a fire truck named after me.'" "My life has always been about public service and meeting the needs of my community," Casello said in a statement released July 17, a day before his passing. "Serving as both a firefighter for 33 years and an elected official for 13 years has been the greatest honor of my life. Representing the people — through times of unity and division, triumph and challenge — has been a privilege I will always cherish." Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr. Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at mdiamond@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida state representative Joe Casello dies after heart attack
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE A hero stranger saved my husband's life when he had a heart attack at a gas station... now he's marrying my daughter and they're expecting their second baby
It was a normal Thursday afternoon when Gary Stevens popped down to the local petrol station - and one that changed his family's lives forever. The father-of-one collapsed after suffering a heart attack while a worried man parked in the van behind him rushed to his aid. That man was Mark Taylor - and now he's about to marry Gary's daughter Bethany. The couple's love story is one that started with tragedy, Gary's wife and Bethany's mum, Anna Stevens, recalls. On January 27, 2022, Gary, of Watford, was washing his car when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest. Noticing that Gary had suddenly collapsed, Mark, who was sat in the car behind him, instantly ran over to assist him. He then tirelessly administered CPR for up to 20 minutes before the emergency services arrived. As a result of Mark's quick-thinking, Gary, then 56, survived the near-fatal attack, with paramedics praising his 'incredible' ability to keep the father-of-one alive. The hero stranger also quickly hunted down Gary's phone to call for family - and they all rushed down to be at his side as he was raced to hospital. Now, in recognition of Mark's incredible life-saving act, Anna has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for the pair's honeymoon and to also contribute to their children's futures. Sadly, due to an accumulation of long-term health complications, Gary sadly passed away just five months later - with Mark serving as one of the pallbearers at his funeral. But in a heartwarming end to what could have been an entirely tragic story, Gary's daughter, 26, and Mark, 34, are set to marry in January. The pair, who share an eight-month-old son Zack, are also expecting a second baby in December. Adding that while she 'lost a husband, I gained a son', Anna has no doubt that her former husband would be 'over the moon' that his beloved daughter is set to wed the courageous man that once helped save his life. Speaking to MailOnline, Anna said: 'Finding out about what happened to Gary was absolutely horrific. When we left the petrol station, I said to Mark "let me take your number so I can give you some updates." 'We kept in touch and when Gary came out of hospital after about 10 weeks the first person he wanted to see was Mark because he owed his life to him. 'On the night Mark came to visit him he brought him a welcome home cake and it was just so lovely for the two of them to sit down and chat properly.' Mark and Bethany began their unexpected relationship a year after Gary's tragic passing. Given the unique circumstances, Anna insisted that Mark was 'incredibly respectful' as they navigated the early days, even ensuring to check that Anna was happy with the proposed relationship before the pair moved forward. She added: 'They went for a drink as friends and I think they just had this great connection. It's the perfect end to the story. 'Gary would not have survived the cardiac arrest if it was not for Mark. The fact that he helped on the day and I got that extra time with my husband and now have the most incredible grandson, I'll never be able to thank him enough. 'I know Gary would be thrilled that they are together, he loved Mark to pieces. I tell my grandson everyday what an incredible father he has and how Daddy saved Grandad's life.' Anna, who was married to her husband for 25 years prior to his death, even previously donated a kidney to her husband in a bid to help him manage his diabetes which had led to failing kidneys. Speaking to MailOnline about the incredible transplant in 2018, she described it as the 'easiest decision' she had ever made, while Gary said: 'She put her life at risk for mine. 'There's only two words to describe her: "My angel".' Now, as Bethany and Mark eagerly await their wedding day, the couple are adamant that Gary's spirit will be ever-present. Previously speaking to MailOnline about donating a kidney to her beloved husband, Ms Stevens described it as the 'easiest decision' she had ever made, while Gary said: 'She put her life at risk for mine. 'There's only two words to describe her: "My angel" Given her father's absence, Bethany is set to be walked down the aisle by her 'incredible' godfather Alex. As Gary's best friend of more than 40 years, Anna praised him as 'invaluable' in helping the family navigate their grief and ongoing life without Gary. Meanwhile Anna, who is now hoping to honour Mark with a Pride of Britain Award for his life-saving act, described her soon to be son-in-law as 'proof that good still exists in the world'. She added: 'He's just an incredible man. Many would have seen somebody passed out like that and froze or not know what to do, but despite having no first aid training Mark never hesitated and immediately helped out. 'Gary would no doubt be looking down and smiling at how things have turned out, I believe fate put those two men at that petrol station at the right time. It's incredible'.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Retired Worcester firefighter Joseph Casello, a lawmaker in Florida, dies of heart attack
Former Worcester firefighter Joseph A. Casello, who retired from the department and moved to Florida, where he entered politics, has died after suffering a heart attack. He was 73. Casello, a Democrat, was a sitting member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 90. He lived in Boynton Beach. He was hospitalized after a heart attack in early July and passed away on Friday, July 18, according to The Palm Beach Post newspaper. He had been on life support. He spent more than three decades with the Worcester Fire Department, having grown up in the city. He also worked as an electrician. After retiring from the department, he moved to Boynton Beach, in Palm Beach County. Within a few years he won a seat as a city commissioner. He was elected by three votes. He was first elected to the House in 2018. He was serving his fourth term. Before moving to Florida, Casello made a bid for Worcester City Council. He lost to incumbent Jofferey A. Smith in the 2007 race for the District 1 seat. Prior to being taken off life support, Casello released a statement: "My life has always been about public service and meeting the needs of my community. Serving as both a firefighter for 33 years and an elected official for 13 years has been the greatest honor of my life. Representing the people — through times of unity and division, triumph and challenge — has been a privilege I will always cherish." Casello, who retired from the Worcester Fire Department as a lieutenant, was stationed on Park Avenue the morning of March 7, 1990, when fire broke out in an apartment house on Florence Street. A mother and three young children died in the blaze. Casello later said the fire had deep and continuing affect on him. A photo of Casello, tired and distraught, appeared in the next day's newspaper. Casello's time as a Worcester firefighter was referenced in remarks by Nikki Fried, chairwoman of the Florida Democratic party. She said: "Joe Casello was the kind of public servant every community hopes for," Fried wrote. "As a firefighter for 33 years, he literally ran toward danger to protect others. As an Air Force veteran he understood how important it was to serve selflessly. As a city commissioner and state legislator, he brought that same courage and steady leadership to the halls of government." Material from The Palm Beach Post was used in this report. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Ex-Worcester firefighter Joseph Casello, lawmaker in Fla., dies of heart attack
CBS News
3 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Florida State Rep. Joe Casello dies after having heart attack, state officials confirm
Florida State Rep. Joe Casello died after having a heart attack, Florida House Democrats announced. "We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack. He was 73. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time," a post on X read. Casello was a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts, for three decades before entering politics in Florida. He served as a Boynton Beach city commissioner before becoming a state lawmaker. He had announced plans to run for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission in 2026. His profile on the state House of Representatives website says he enjoyed golf and was elected in 2018. A private ceremony will be held in the family's home state of Massachusetts, and a public memorial service will be announced in the coming weeks, according to a post from Florida House Democrats on X. Under Florida law, Gov. Ron DeSantis is required to call a special election or special primary election when a vacancy occurs for a legislative seat because of a death. Rep. Christine Hunschofsky posted Friday on X about Casello's death, saying, "Joe was a wonderful person, always positive and supportive. He was a Massachusetts native and had a wicked sense of humor. He served in the legislature with humility, grace, and a fierce sense of purpose. Joe was down to earth, kind, and cared about every person he came in contact with. He was always one of the best dressed in Tallahassee and I would call him GQ Joe. I will miss serving with Joe and I will especially miss his friendship."
