Dave Grable was playing racquetball with a friend one February evening in 2024. The duo paused to take a breather and grab water from the bubbler. The next thing Grable recalls is looking from the ground up at the circle of concerned faces surrounding him.
That’s because he had collapsed after suffering a heart attack.
The 67-year-old former firefighter and first responder always figured he was in excellent physical condition. In the past, he’d run marathons and participated in triathlons. In retirement, he kept active through officiating soccer games and playing racquetball.
“I can’t sit still,” Grable explained with a smile. “I’ve been pretty active for most of my life so it’s hard to break from that.”
Grable survived the heart attack, thanks to quick action from his friend, Steve, and bystanders, as well as teams from Neenah-Menasha Fire & Rescue and ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton. He’s using February’s American Heart Month observation to share his story and his thanks. He also wants others to heed the signs when something physically seems amiss.
Signs of Struggle
On the night of Grable’s heart attack, he and his pal were at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA playing a series of racquetball matches. They’d play a match and taken a water break, Grable said. As the night wore on, Grable said he felt a little off.
“Near the end of the first game, I was feeling just a little bit fatigued,” he said. “I’d try to take a deep breath and felt like I could only fill up about 90% of the way.”
Grable dismissed his symptoms. The duo played two more games and took another break.
“I remember opening the door and taking about 10 steps, and it’s only another five more steps to the bubbler for water, and that’s all I remember,” Grable said. “The next thing I recall is lying on the floor looking up at about seven or eight people.”
Heroic Helpers
What happened next for Grable came into focus only in retrospect. His friend was taking a drink and said something to Grable. When his friend heard no reply, he turned and saw Grable lying on his back on the floor, arms over his head, and eyes open.
Throughout the course of his career, Grable had come across countless people who were pulseless, not breathing. Now he was in that very state.
Steve sprang to action. He pounded on the door of the adjacent racquetball court, calling for help.
Another nearby player, began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Someone retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED), while a third person dialed 911. Grable estimates he received chest compressions less than a minute after hitting the ground.
An AED uses voice prompts, lights, and text to instruct the rescuer on steps to take. Grable later learned that the AED called for a shock to be administered to his chest about a minute and 40 seconds after he collapsed.
By the time first responders arrived, Grable was awake and alert. He soon heard the words that prompted his initial disbelief: “The paramedic looked at me and said, ‘Dave, we believe you had a heart attack.’”
It was a full-circle moment as Grable took in the faces of colleagues he’d worked with for years with Neenah-Menasha Fire & Rescue. Only now he was on the receiving end of help.
“I hate the word surreal. But I can’t say anything without using that word,” he said. “Who in the world would think, the same department where you worked for 31 years is going to be the one that’s going to be there when you wake up from your heart attack?”
Diagnosis & Treatment
First responders brought Grable to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton, the hub for ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care. Grable said the scene was like the classic TV show “M*A*S*H.” Everyone was ready and waiting, and he received carefully choreographed care.
“It went flawless, as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “Everybody was amazing.”
Grable saw Dr. Ameer Kabour, a Cardiologist and Medical Director of ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care. He soon learned that plaque had loosened and led to a 100% blockage of his left anterior descending artery. This is often called the widow-maker artery.
Dr. Kabour placed a stent to treat the blockage.
“A heart attack results from the shutting down one of the heart arteries. This eliminates blood flow and oxygen delivery to a specific area of the heart muscle,” Dr. Kabour said. “Placing a stent helps restore a person’s blood flow to normal and can stop further damage in the heart muscle.”
Grable also had an 80% blockage in another artery. A month or so later, he underwent a second procedure for that blockage.
Understanding Risks
Though Grable has always strived for a healthy lifestyle, he said he understands some factors are beyond control. Several members of his family – including his dad, grandfather, uncles, and cousins – had experienced heart attacks. Grable now ensures his two sons and two daughters know and understand their risk.
“Having a strong family history is a major risk factor for having a heart attack, even if you’re healthy,” Dr. Kabour said. “That’s especially true when someone has a high pulse rate when exercising.”
People with a strong family history of heart disease should have ongoing conversations with their health care team, Dr. Kabour said. They may recommend diagnostic testing that can discover blockages before they lead to a heart attack or damage the heart.
Now a year out from his heart attack, Grable has made some lifestyle modifications. He’s resumed his active lifestyle and put increased focus on eating a healthy diet, including reducing his intake of sodium and processed foods.
Reflection and Gratitude
Grable, who lives in a small community between Neenah and Oshkosh, understands how lucky he was. About a month prior to his heart attack, he’d been doing manual labor alone in the woods. He shudders to think of what would have happened if he’d had a heart attack then.
He has gone out of his way to thank the people who helped save his life.
“The outcome of what happened to me was so good because of every individual who played a part,” he said. “Without them, I might not be here today.”
Time is of the essence when aiding a heart attack patient, Dr. Kabour said.
“When someone is having a heart attack, emergency steps are so important,” he said. “Performing immediate CPR, calling 911, and using the AED are crucial to saving lives.”
Grable urges others to act quickly if something with their health feels amiss.
“Believe what your body is telling you,” he said. “If there’s something you’ve never felt before, listen.”
Dr. Kabour encouraged people to consult with a health care provider and start a heart health conversation to better ensure their long-term cardiovascular health. For more information, visit ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care.
