Tommy Bell, who recognized that his dietary habits were not always optimal, gained valuable insights into nutrition while working at a Florida hospital over a decade ago. This knowledge prompted him to improve his eating habits.
At 62 years of age, Bell believed he was in good health. He neither smoked nor drank alcohol, maintained a nutritious diet, and walked more than 10,000 steps daily while working as a patient transporter at AdventHealth DeLand Hospital.
However, on the eve of Thanksgiving last year, he experienced mild chest discomfort while driving home from work. Concerned, he decided to return to the emergency room for an evaluation. Medical tests revealed a blockage in his “widowmaker” artery along with calcification surrounding his heart, which heightened his risk of a heart attack. Subsequently, doctors scheduled a procedure to insert a stent in the affected artery.
Bell spent Thanksgiving in the hospital and underwent the stent placement the following day. Unfortunately, shortly after the procedure, he was overwhelmed by intense pain.
“I curled up in a fetal position and couldn’t straighten up,” Bell recounted. “I remember people urging me to straighten up so they could address the issue.”
Further testing indicated that Bell had suffered a heart attack. In response, doctors quickly placed an additional stent, which stabilized his condition. He was released from the hospital the Sunday after Thanksgiving. However, the following morning, he began to experience symptoms reminiscent of heartburn, prompting his wife to rush him back to the hospital. His memories of that trip are fragmented.
“I remember getting in the car but nothing until we arrived at the valet area, where they brought out a wheelchair,” Bell said. “I overheard someone requesting to see the EKG, followed by instructions to send me straight to the cath lab.”
When Bell regained consciousness, he found himself in the ICU once more, where he learned that he had experienced two additional heart attacks, bringing the total to three in just four days. “I was left wondering, ‘What have I done to myself?’” he expressed.
Dr. Janak Bhavsar, an interventional cardiologist at AdventHealth DeLand, explained that a blood clot formed after Bell’s initial surgery was responsible for the subsequent heart attacks—a complication that affects 0.5 to 1% of stent patients. Additionally, Bell’s significant blockage increased the likelihood of complications.
“When significant calcium buildup surrounds the artery, it restricts how much the stents can expand to enhance blood flow,” Bhavsar noted. “This can lead to reduced blood flow and a higher risk of clot formation within the stent.”
To address the issue, Bhavsar and his team performed an intracoronary lithotripsy, a procedure where a specialized balloon is inserted into the blocked artery to deliver electrical shocks that break up the calcium, allowing the stent to open more fully. Bell also received a second stent and was prescribed blood thinners to mitigate the risk of additional clots.
Following his awakening, Bell continued to experience pain for several hours, though Bhavsar confirmed he was not undergoing another heart attack; rather, it was a side effect of the recent medical interventions. He remained under close observation in the hospital for the next four days. Bell expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, colleagues, and familiar faces who visited him during his stay.
“The level of love and support I received was incredibly overwhelming,” Bell commented. “It was astonishing to realize how much people cared for me. Everyone from administration came to pray for me—our chaplains, staff, heart doctors, nurses, and even housekeeping and transport personnel. They had to manage the visitor flow so I could focus on my recovery.”
After spending two weeks recuperating at home, Bell returned to work. Although stepping back into the hospital where he had faced life-threatening challenges was a surreal experience, the presence of friendly faces in the corridors provided comfort. He also engaged with the rehabilitation team at AdventHealth DeLand to identify dietary changes that could help prevent future heart issues.
“They informed me that my cardiovascular health was excellent due to my job, but it was now time to collaborate with the dietary team to make improvements,” Bell explained.
In his younger years, Bell frequently consumed fast food, and while he shifted to more home-cooked meals later on, he did not prioritize factors such as salt and cholesterol. Although he made some dietary adjustments after beginning his career at DeLand, he acknowledged that earlier habits had lasting effects. According to Harvard Medical School, most arterial buildup cannot be reversed solely through lifestyle changes.
Currently, Bell’s diet emphasizes lean meats and flavorful salads. He exchanges recipes with fellow heart attack survivors and ensures to carry healthy snacks for between meals. He will also continue regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Bhavsar.
Reflecting on his experience, Bell stated, “I was in disbelief that this happened to me. I believed I was eating healthily and taking care of myself, and I never expected this to occur. I thought I didn’t need to make any changes, but we have made significant adjustments. I realize now that I can shape my future through my eating choices.”
