Clinton Carawan of Virginia Beach recently survived a heart attack, thanks to the quick actions of his 11-year-old daughter Vada, who performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Dr. Deepak Talreja, Chief of Cardiology for Sentara Health, treated Clinton, who had multiple blockages, including one that was 100% blocked, also known as the ‘widowmaker blockage.’ Clinton had no major symptoms before the heart attack, which is not uncommon in cases of sudden cardiac death.
According to Dr. Talreja, genetics and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sedentary behavior, and poor diet can contribute to heart disease. Clinton, who has a family history of heart disease, has made changes to his lifestyle, quitting smoking and shifting to a healthier diet. Vada was able to perform CPR on her dad due to training she received through her Girl Scouts troop.
Dr. Talreja demonstrated the proper technique for CPR, emphasizing the importance of delivering force to the front of the chest at a rate of about 104 compressions per minute. While it’s possible to crack a rib when performing CPR, it’s crucial to perform it correctly to save lives.
Overall, Clinton’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of family history, making healthy lifestyle choices, and knowing the proper techniques for performing CPR in emergency situations. With Vada’s quick actions and the expertise of medical professionals, Clinton was able to survive his heart attack and is now focused on recovery and living a healthier life.
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