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

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 conversation with a stranger named Tracy turned to occupations. Tracy shared that she was starting a new job the very next day as a cardiology nurse practitioner at Touro Hospital.

“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.”

Between his family history and current symptoms, Tracy Parker, APRN, knew there was cause for concern and no time to waste. That afternoon, Scott met Touro cardiologist Christopher Latour, MD. The very next day, Scott underwent an angiogram, an imaging procedure that showed blockage in his right coronary artery, and a stent was placed to help restore blood flow and reduce pressure on his heart.

“I’ve often thought about what could have happened if I hadn’t met Tracy that night or if she hadn’t followed through on her promise to help me,” Scott said. “I probably would have just waited for that far-out appointment at my original cardiologist’s office. If the pain had become unbearable, I would have gone to the emergency room. What I do know is that without Tracy, 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/.