Publicado: diciembre 21, 2023

AHA News' most-read survivor stories of 2023

By American Heart Association News

*ER nurse manager and cardiac arrest survivor Laura Rodriguez. (Photo courtesy of Laura Rodriguez)*

Cardiac arrest survivor tales caught our readers' eyes this year, among other inspiring stories. Here are the top 5 survivor stories published this year, ranked in order of unique page views.

1. ER nurse went into cardiac arrest at daughter's school

At 34, Laura Rodriguez had a virus that damaged her heart. But she didn't know it until she collapsed in the nurse's office at her daughter's elementary school.

2. A thump to his chest during a game stopped his heart. Textbook response saved him.

Teenager Peter Laake was playing lacrosse when a fast-moving ball struck him in the wrong place at the wrong time, causing a cardiac arrest.

3. Heart problem could've ended his college basketball career before it began. It didn't.

King McClure sought more information when doctors at Baylor University discovered he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A heart device enabled him to keep playing.

4. When he stopped breathing, his dog called out for help

At 31, Ken Walsh went into cardiac arrest on his couch. His dog, Indiana, alerted his wife. His recovery led him to the finish line of the New York City marathon.

5. She was 28 and went into cardiac arrest at work. CPR and an AED saved her life.

Doctors don't know why Heather Baker had a cardiac arrest at 28, but they do know CPR and an AED saved her.

American Heart Association News Stories

American Heart Association News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in American Heart Association News stories reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in American Heart Association scientific journals or presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the American Heart Association’s official guidance, policies or positions.

Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt from or reprint these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to American Heart Association News.

Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the American Heart Association’s Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.