A man in Ho Chi Minh City collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest while trying to block a ball. Doctors at Gia Dinh People’s Hospital resuscitated him for 45 minutes with 10 electric shocks before performing ECMO to save his life.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient was unresponsive, and his pulse and blood pressure could not be detected. Despite continuous heart massages and electric shocks, his heart did not respond. The medical team persisted in resuscitation efforts for 45 minutes before the patient showed signs of recovery, but experienced severe hypotension and pulmonary edema.
Doctors used hypothermia and ECMO to protect the patient’s brain and support his heart and lungs. With a combination of interventions and continuous dialysis over 48 hours, the patient regained consciousness, came off ECMO after 72 hours, ventilation support after 4 days, and was discharged from the ICU after 6 days.
Genetic testing revealed a mutation in the MYPN gene, which is linked to dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden death. The patient had a defibrillator implanted to prevent future sudden deaths and will undergo cardiovascular rehabilitation before resuming normal activities. It is recommended that individuals engaging in sports know their cardiovascular health, especially if there is a family history of sudden cardiac death, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise during physical activity.
In conclusion, the patient’s survival was due to prompt medical intervention coupled with genetic testing to identify the underlying cause of his condition. The importance of understanding one’s cardiovascular health cannot be overstated, particularly in cases with a family history of cardiac issues.
