Indian electrician rescued after suffering heart attack at sea

Dr. Ho Minh Tuan performs the cardiac catheterisation procedure on the patient suffering heart attack. (Photo courtesy of the hospital)

While working on a ship off the coast of Ba Ria - Vung Tau (Ho Chi Minh City), an Indian electrician suddenly suffered severe chest pain, difficulty breathing and collapsed.

Onboard medical staff performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administered multiple defibrillations, and intubated him, but his condition remained critical.

He was urgently brought ashore for emergency treatment.

Doctors confirmed that he had suffered a heart attack and arranged his immediate transfer to FV Hospital, which is equipped with a Cathlab and advanced facilities for treating complex cardiac cases.

According to FV Hospital, the patient, P.A. (49), was admitted in critical condition with a heart attack complicated by cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest.

Dr. Ho Minh Tuan, head of the hospital’s Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology Department, explained that cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart loses its pumping ability, causing fluid to accumulate in the lungs and requiring intubation or high-flow oxygen therapy.

The medical team swiftly performed a percutaneous coronary intervention. With the support of advanced imaging systems, they quickly identified the blocked coronary artery and placed a stent, restoring blood flow to the heart immediately. The patient’s electrocardiogram and blood pressure gradually stabilised. The entire procedure took just over 20 minutes.

Following the intervention, the patient was placed in intensive care. He was extubated the next day, and after 10 days of treatment, his heart function had nearly returned to normal. He was discharged and able to return to India on a commercial flight without medical assistance, Dr. Tuan said.

According to the World Health Organisation, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. An estimated 19.8 million people died from these diseases in 2022, representing approximately 32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were linked to heart attacks and strokes.

Dr. Tuan emphasised that timing is critical in cardiac emergencies, determining survival, recovery, and risk of complications. The American Heart Association recommends a “golden window” of 90 minutes for performing percutaneous coronary intervention, measured from emergency admission to vessel reperfusion.

“At FV Hospital, we shortened the emergency response time for restoring blood flow to the heart to a maximum of 70 minutes. For patients transferred with prior notice, the procedure can be performed in just 25–30 minutes”, he said.

FV Hospital noted that the number of patients referred to its Cardiology Department from clinics and other hospitals had risen by about 15% annually, with cases of heart failure and cardiogenic shock increasing by up to 30%. The hospital maintains a 24/7 “golden hour” emergency heart attack team and its “70-minute golden protocol” enabling patients to escape critical danger, recover faster and minimise complications.

Ciputra Hanoi - An iconic international urban township in the heart of Hanoi Located in the strategic Northwest gateway of Hanoi – seamlessly connecting the city centre with Noi Bai International Airport – Ciputra Hanoi is the first ...

The interpreter of the Paris Peace Talks - A silent journey at the heart of history WVR - One early winter afternoon in Hanoi, making my way through the bustling streets filled with people going in all directions, my mind wandered ...

48 Hang Ngang – A historic 'Red address' in the heart of the Capital WVR - On August 18, the plaque unveiling ceremony and exhibition opening at the historical site 48 Hang Ngang, where President Ho Chi Minh drafted ...

Festival connecting Vietnamese youth and aspirations in the heart of Europe WVR - From August 14–16, the 11th Festival of Vietnamese Youth and Students in Europe took place in Budapest, hosted by the Vietnamese Students’ Association ...

Touching every heart: Young audiences overwhelmed with emotion after watching 'Mua Do' WVR - Premiering in late August, the feature film “Mua do” (Red Rain) made a strong impression, drawing large audiences to cinemas, particularly young people. ...