Hemant Mehta, 60 from Mumbai had a heart attack in 2006 and then back to back two brain strokes in 2024. Here he details how his experience has taught him to listen to his body and be vigilant about symptoms. And how that has helped him get to the hospital on time.
I am Hemant Mehta, 60 years old and running a business since 40 years. I have been practicing Yoga regularly for the last 35 years and have been a really active person and very particular about physical fitness. I was sincere about exercise but with respect to my diet I was more of a junk food eater, which I thought could easily be compensated and managed with exercise.
I suffered a Heart Attack in 2006. This was triggered possibly due to thrombosis somewhere in my blood vessels. I had felt some discomfort at my Yoga session during the warm up stage. I rested then and decided to consult the doctor in the evening. This actually delayed the treatment. I called the doctor for the evening appointment, but before I could reach the clinic as planned, I had severe pain and collapsed. I was rushed to the hospital with help of friends and relatives. I was lucky that I reached the hospital in time, where emergency treatment of shocks to the heart with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) were given and I was revived. It is important to note that if the body gives a signal and when the pain is abnormal and different, it is important to call the doctor immediately. In my case I recognized this, called the doctor, I still waited till evening, but thankfully got to the hospital in time and was revived.
I continued my exercise and limited my intake of junk food after this episode and had a very systematic life style for the next 15 years. I was prescribed beta blockers – Metoprolol 25mg for hypertension
Describe the symptoms of the next health event, were these recognised immediately and was action taken? How was this connected to any pre-existing condition?
1st Stroke
On 9th Feb 2024 at around midnight I had a stroke. My body had given me signals of a stroke earlier for a few nights when I felt that something was not normal in my head but then I would fall asleep. The third time it happened on January 31st, I shared with my wife that there was some issue, but wasn’t sure if it was a dream or reality.
On 9th February, the episode was longer and there was paralysis on my face and my right hand. My family members were travelling and not at home. I somehow managed to reach up to my house-help’s room (Did not realise I could have used my phone) and banged the door and told him to act immediately. Neighbours, friends and relatives were alerted and I managed to get to the hospital within 15 mins. I was extremely lucky that I was treated by thrombolysis in the Golden period, which helped in my recovery and damage control.
I remembered all the moments from stroke to hospital, was conscious and I knew what was happening to me. My hand recovered in 10-15 mins and I was already using it to stand up when I reached the hospital. I had Facial palsy and had lost my speech in the hospital. After treatment, I got my speech back but it was slurred.
Due to my previous history of a Heart Attack, they had to check for origin of thrombosis. Trans Thoracic ECG (TTE) Endoscopy test was done and Holter Monitor was attached for 7 days to check for source of clots from the heart. However these tests could not detect the origin of the thrombosis. I was prescribed a blood thinner and anti-clotting medicine. I was in the hospital for a week for treatment and then discharged. EEG was also done to check on brain activity which was abnormal and I was given an anti-epileptic medication course for 6 months.
2nd Stroke
Again on May 15th at around 11.30am-12noon, I had blurred vision, which got better in 10 mins. Even though my vision got back to normal, because of my previous stroke experience, I thought it best to consult my doctor and hence got an appointment and visited the doctor in the evening to ensure that I got to my consulting specialist. An MRI confirmed that I had had a minor stroke which had affected my vision temporarily and that no major damage had happened.
I was admitted to the hospital for further investigation. Lipid profile was tested, Total Cholesterol, HDL /LDL was normal, however further testing revealed Low density Lipo-protein (a) was high, which was a risk factor for a heart attack or stroke.
Holter test /EEG tests were normal. Since MRI showed abnormality there was a need to change my medication with an increase in the dose of the blood thinner for 2 months plus one to control my pulse rate. Another Holter test was done in August, after which doctors decided to continue latest medication profile. Also suggestion was to go for a Holter test and regular checkup after 6 months.
I also have to be careful that I have no internal or external injury since I am on a very high dose of anti-blood clotting medicine
About 10-12 days after the 1st stroke when I was back home, I had some numbness in tips of fingers transitioning from one finger to another. I also had this sensation as if something is happening in my head at regular intervals due to which in between a conversation I felt a kind of short-circuit in my head which caused me to abruptly stop talking for a few seconds. It happened again 15-20 days ago, but the duration between episodes has increased.
Hence, I was prescribed anti-epileptic medicines to prevent and avoid any risk of epileptic seizures. I took a 2nd opinion before starting medicine and there was a possibility that this medication could be stopped after 6 months.
EEG was done again after the 2nd stroke too and this time it showed normal but since anti-epileptic medication was started, doctors advised it should be continued for a certain period. Now I have stopped anti-epileptic medication post normal EEG after 2nd stroke.
My condition has improved and I feel better with every passing day.
In the 3 months between the two strokes, I felt weak and depressed, was just lying down all the time, and had no mood to have any conversation. Now with this additional blood thinner dosage, after the 2nd stroke, I feel more normal than before - I feel like going out, I am interested in actually focussing on my work and even travelling to my office in Pune.
What was the cause of your stroke?
My blood pressure was always high and have been on beta blockers, which helped keep my hypertension in control. Stress could be another cause. Clinically nothing was confirmed. Clot was generated in the heart earlier which caused the heart attack and I was told that my body tends to create blood clots.
Do you have a family history of stroke or heart disease?
My elder brother had heart disease. Both my parents had a healthy life, my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and related mobility issues, a little before his death. My Mother had epilepsy first time at the age of 75. Related to neurological issues, my Grandfather had paralysis, cause for which was not known or identified. I didn’t think of sharing this with my doctor. After my heart attack I had a check-up every year for the last 15 years, except for the last 2 years as I got a bit relaxed and lazy.
What was the treatment for the stroke? Did you have any co-morbidities and if so how did it affect your treatment?
Only thrombolysis was required and no surgery as I got back to normal, having only impaired speech. I am not diabetic but I and am on hypertensive tablets with which my blood pressure is under control. Heart pumping is a bit low around 35-40 and it has stayed that way and recently was 33 . I was told that abnormality of heart beats can create clots, but this is all an assumption as this has not yet been diagnosed clearly. Cardiac doctor says there is no issue, but neurologist says that this could cause generation of clots. I was in the hospital for a week and speech rehab for aphasia was initiated.
How was the discharge experience and what was the support provided post discharge?
Discharge was a smooth process and I go back for regular consultation every 2 months and the last time I met my doctor – Neurologist, after the 2nd stroke, he mentioned I need not go back to him again unless there is an emergency. Just need to work on my speech therapy.
How did the condition and the post stroke disability affect you physically as well as mentally? What changes have you made to your lifestyle due to this condition
After my heart attack I continued my regular exercise - practiced yoga and did my morning walk which I did even before the stroke. After a month post my 1st stroke, I started my morning walk. Have not yet started after 2nd stroke and restricted activity to only chanting and breathing. Very recently I started yoga and intend to start morning walks after a month. I now control my exercise based on my body response and make it a point to listen to my body.
I have continued with the same diet and just reduced any junk food. The doctors also did not advise any major change in diet.
What medications are you currently on? Please mention all including supplemental medicines and indications of each. Did you experience any side effects from taking these medications?
I am on blood thinners/Anti-blood clotting medications, Medication to control my pulse rate and anti-epileptic medication, which was to be continued for a limited period only. Hence now am on Metroprolol 25mg, Sacubitril and Valsartan 50mg for hypertension, Apixaban 5mg as blood thinner, Atorvastatin 40mg and Bempedoic acid 180mg and Ezetimibe 10mg for cholesterol, Clopidogrel 75mg as added blood thinner, Amiodarone 100mg for irregular heartbeat.
Did you opt for any rehabilitation and was this closer home or elsewhere? What challenges did you face in finding the right option for you?
No rehabilitation specifically was suggested except Speech Therapy. I did consult a speech therapist. For my speech therapy, I was told to try to talk as much as possible, slowly and clearly. The doctor told me that slowly improvement will happen and that 80% recovery should be good enough and I need to be happy about it.
Initially I was also not able to write properly. Signature was affected and I do get conscious and worry if this will be perfect or not as this is still a bit of an issue. Nowadays, since this is required so infrequently, it is not a big issue. Bank cheques get passed so there was no need to change my signature in the bank.
How do/did you navigate work?
My son was around to keep my business going. My staff is experienced and both they and my son managed it well with regular work continuing at 100%. For 1.5 -2 months I was completely off work. Slowly I resumed work and now I am 50-60% active. I did not notice the need for me to be involved in any decision making during this period.
How did you mentally/emotionally cope with it all? Please mention any specific times and issues that were difficult. Did you see a counselor for support?
After the second stroke, I was more emotionally disturbed specially regarding my family. Am well aware that everyone has an ‘expiry date’. So I believe it’s always better to manage all documentation clearly so no one in the family is affected or troubled in future. These thoughts were more pronounced after the second stroke especially because it happened within three months of the first stroke. I was also very disturbed as I was told my body was prone to blood clots so wasn’t sure if and when it could happen again.
How has your family supported you? What were some of the challenges your family faced and how did they cope?
I am blessed with great family and friends. They saved me all the 3 times. They took me to the hospital after my heart attack on time and I got timely and effective treatment. I celebrate that day as my 2nd birthday
After my brain stroke, I knew I was not going to die but I could have been disabled and would have needed someone’s support always. But with the right help from my house help plus close friends and relatives I got appropriate treatment within the Golden Hour.
What were some of the challenges you continue to face? Do you have any related worries about the future?
I believe in taking things as they come. Have fun and enjoy life and live life to the fullest as nothing in life is certain.
Doctor has stopped me from travelling and to take utmost care. In case of any essential travel, have been told to keep all the tests handy and to go to big cities and if there is any issue to visit big hospitals vs nursing homes.
What do you think you learnt in managing your condition that you wished you knew before? What is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
In retrospect I can say it is important to note all small signals the body gives and not ignore anything that is unusual like the chest pain I had during the heart attack. Normally do not have the habit to neglect any symptom, but now this has made me more informed and cautious. The blurred vision during the onset of the second stroke would not have alarmed me if it had happened before as I would not have related it to anything serious due to lack of knowledge and would not have gone for a check-up.
I do listen to what people have to say about their experiences, but do not get too involved. Feel blessed I am not in as bad a situation as others who have suffered more than me.
My advice would be not to ignore anything that is unusual and address it immediately, even if it turns out to be a false alarm.
As told to Lata Chopra
