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February is Heart Health Month, and one particular BWH patient is celebrating as winner of the second annual American College of Cardiology (ACC) "I am CardioSmart" contest for how he has lived his life post-heart attack.
David Wang was in his 40s, a healthy eater and gym-goer, when he started experiencing sweaty palms, numb fingertips and shortness of breath-classic heart attack symptoms-during a business trip. With no family history of heart disease, he thought he was having an allergic reaction, but colleagues brought him to an emergency room, where a physician confirmed he was having a heart attack.
"David's story is an important reminder that heart disease can affect anyone, and unfortunately, a heart attack may be the first sign that something is wrong," said JoAnne Foody, MD, FACC, medical director of the Cardiovascular Wellness Center and Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Program at BWH. "That's why it's important to know your risk and get regular health care checkups."
Wang is back to teaching and taking karate lessons and staying active with his young children. He regularly sees his care team at Brigham and Women's/Mass General Health Care Center in Foxborough and is vigilant about making healthier lifestyle choices.
"David is a prime example of someone not letting a heart attack limit the rest of their lives," said Foody, who is also CardioSmart's chief medical expert. "He's the definition of living CardioSmart."
Wang and his care team, including David Williams, MD, and Daniel Forman, MD, will be recognized during a ceremony at the ACC national meeting next month in Washington.