New Emergent PCI and STEMI Program Results in Positive Outcome for Greenbush Woman

Area patients suffering from a STEMI heart attack are expedited by ambulance to MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, the closest PCI center.

In October 2023, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena launched an emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and Regional STEMI Alert Program to expedite the care of patients experiencing ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the most serious type of heart attack. In just six months, 21 residents in the region have benefitted from this new life-saving program, including Karen Webb of Greenbush. Webb was fortunate that she wasn’t alone at the time of her heart attack, which occurred in the middle of the night. Thanks to her son’s quick thinking and MyMichigan’s streamlined emergency response, she experienced a positive outcome.

“I got up for a drink in the middle of the night and had terrible shoulder pain,” Webb shared. “I felt like I might need to vomit. Fortunately, my son heard me moving around.” Webb’s son had experience with heart attack symptoms and treatments because his father had three heart attacks before he ultimately passed away from heart disease. “I had passed out, then awoke again long enough for my son to realize what was happening and give me nitroglycerin. I passed out a second time, and when I came to, EMS had arrived.”

Upon arrival, the paramedics performed a 12-lead electrocardiogram and determined Webb was experiencing a STEMI heart attack. They notified the Emergency Department staff at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, the closest PCI center, who in turn activated the cardiac catheterization team and admitted her while she was in route. When she arrived at the ER, Webb was taken to the cardiac cath lab where blood flow was quickly re-established to her heart through angioplasty and stenting. In STEMI patients, the coronary artery is completely blocked off by a blood clot, which is why re-establishing blood flow in a timely manner is so crucial.

“When the door opened, the ER staff were there waiting,” said Webb. “It was such a profound feeling of relief. I was up in a room just four hours after they picked me up. That’s incredible!”

“We are so glad to be able to offer this streamlined treatment approach for patients experiencing cardiac emergencies, said Invasive Cardiologist Daniel Harber, D.O. “Time is muscle and when it comes to the heart, every second counts. Our team has set a target of <=90 minutes for door-to-balloon intervention based on recommendations by the American College of Cardiology.”

Upon physician approval, she began cardiac rehabilitation in Alpena and has seen cardiology team members Scott Huffaker, D.O., and Kristen Kennedy, F.N.P.-C., M.S.N., for follow-up care. Webb is watching her diet, walking, doing exercises she learned during cardiac rehab, and resting when needed to rebuild her strength and stamina.

Although she admits she doesn’t like having to slow down, Webb is appreciative of this life-saving program and is following doctors’ orders. “I’m lucky to be alive, so I keep moving forward trusting my care team and keeping things in perspective,” she said. “During my time in the hospital, I received excellent care. Dr. Huffaker and Kristen in cardiology are kind and knowledgeable, and the cardiac rehab staff is excellent. I would tell anyone in our region that if something like this happens to them or a someone they love; they can count on being well taken care of by these amazing teams.”

Community members are urged to not ignore the warning signs of a heart attack. The best way to prevent irreversible heart damage is to dial 911 immediately. Upon arrival, EMS personnel can begin treatment as soon as they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car. Those who would like additional information about MyMichigan’s Regional STEMI Alert Program may visit www.mymichigan.org/stemi.