Don’t Ignore Chest Pain: How a Chance Encounter Saved a Life

Updated February 2026

It was just small talk, a conversation with a stranger at a restaurant, that turned to heart health and saved Scott McCoy’s life. His story emphasizes the importance of knowing the risk factors and how recognizing early symptoms of heart disease can be life-saving.

A Family History Of Red Flags

“I was just a baby at the time, but from what I’ve been told, my father went to the hospital with chest and back pain and never came home,” Scott said. “He was just 46 years old.”

Five years before his mother died, she underwent a bypass, a surgical procedure to create new pathways for blood flow by bypassing blocked coronary arteries. In her case, it was a quadruple bypass, meaning the surgeon had to bypass four arteries to restore adequate blood flow. One of Scott’s brothers also underwent a quadruple bypass, and the other died from a heart attack at 36. Scott too would have a triple bypass surgery at 40 after his first heart attack.

“I thought I was healthy as could be,” Scott recalled. “My first symptoms actually occurred when I was on the treadmill at the gym. On a Friday, my doctor did a stress test and didn’t find any issues. On Monday, I was walking up some stairs at work and just couldn’t go anymore. My chest was burning – it felt like I was running in winter temperatures.”

Scott was rushed to a nearby hospital, underwent surgery, and then did everything he was supposed to – seeing his cardiologist every six months and stayed consistent with his medications, exercise and nutrition.

The Chance Encounter

Twenty years later, Scott began having occasional sharp chest pains and noticed he was having trouble breathing when walking distances. He reached out to his cardiologist’s office, only to face a long wait for an appointment.

While out celebrating Halloween, a casual conversation with a stranger took an unexpected turn. As they talked about work and family, the topic shifted to heart health. The stranger, Tracy, mentioned she would be joining Touro's cardiology team the very next day. 

With Scott's significant family history and his recent symptoms, the timing felt anything but ordinary. Recognizing the potential urgency, Tracy encouraged him not to delay care and offered to help him connect with a cardiologist. 

“Tracy was very kind, offering to exchange numbers and help me get an appointment with a cardiologist,” Scott said. “I didn’t actually expect her to call, but she did the next morning to tell me that I had an appointment.”

That phone call set a rapid chain of events in motion. That same day, Scott met Touro cardiologist Christopher Latour, MD. The following day, he underwent an angiogram that revealed a blockage in his right coronary artery. A stent was placed to restore blood flow and relieve the strain on his heart. 

Looking back, Scott knows how easily things could have unfolded differently.

“I’ve often thought about what could have happened if I hadn’t met Tracy that night,” Scott said. "What I do know is that without that chance encounter and the swift coordination of care from Dr. Latour, and the entire Touro team, my story would have a very different ending.”

Prioritize Your Heart Health

Today, Scott is doing well. He often reminds his children of their family history of heart disease, encourages them to practice healthy habits, and emphasizes the importance of seeking care at the first sign of symptoms. In fact, two younger members of Scott’s family are now prioritizing their heart health and are also under the care of Dr. Latour.

“I don’t know why people so often put off seeking care,” Scott said. “Are we stubborn? In denial? Afraid of what we’ll find out? I don’t know. But if my story prompts just one person to talk to their doctor, maybe that can save their life.”

Scott visits Dr. Latour regularly for checkups to monitor his heart health and ensure everything remains in good condition. If any symptoms arise, he can address them promptly, ensuring timely treatment and care.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but many cases are preventable. That’s where Touro’s Heart & Vascular Care team is here to help. With a network of cardiologists and specialists utilizing the latest cardiac technology, Touro is where New Orleans’ hearts come to heal and get back into the rhythm of life.

As a certified chest pain and primary stroke center, Touro is renowned for its expertise and commitment to exceptional care. The hospital has earned The Joint Commission's prestigious Gold Seal of Approval for Chest Pain Certification, reflecting its dedication to providing safe, high-quality treatment for patients like Scott.

For more information about Heart and Vascular Care at Touro, visit https://www.lcmchealth.org/touro/our-services/heart-vascular-care/.