Athlete Survives Heart Attack, Urges Health Checks for All

A heart attack on the track left athlete Noel Williamson clinically dead for four minutes, but he credits timely assistance from fellow runners for his survival. The incident occurred on July 16, 2023, at the St Andrew’s Athletic Club in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, where Williamson was training for an upcoming 10-mile race.

Williamson, a 59-year-old plasterer who maintains a healthy lifestyle by avoiding alcohol and smoking, is now advocating for comprehensive health checks, regardless of fitness levels. His life-altering experience has spurred him to share his story in hopes of encouraging others to prioritize their heart health.

On the day of the incident, Williamson was near the end of a 16-kilometer run when he collapsed. “I was one lap off 13 kilometers when I went to the side of the track, got down on my hands and knees, and fell over,” he explained. Remarkably, he has no memory of the event or the subsequent five days of his life.

Williamson’s Garmin watch indicated that his heart had stopped. Thankfully, other runners were present and quickly sprang into action. They performed CPR until emergency medical technicians arrived. “One couple knew CPR, and another ran for the club’s defibrillator, which had the club’s eircode on it for the emergency services,” he recalled, highlighting the importance of community preparedness.

In the ambulance, EMTs successfully restarted his heart, and he later underwent balloon angioplasty to address blocked arteries. Following stabilization, Williamson received a quadruple bypass surgery, which he describes as a critical step in his recovery.

Two months post-surgery, Williamson is gradually returning to physical activity. He reflected on his journey, stating, “I never once dreamed I would get a heart attack, though I know now that it doesn’t matter how fit I was; it was hereditary as my grandfather died of a heart attack at a young age.”

Despite a routine health check prior to the incident, Williamson believes he may have overlooked important signs. “I had swelling in my arms and fingers and a sore back,” he noted. “I knew something wasn’t right, but I never thought it was my heart.”

Statistics reveal that only 3% of individuals experiencing a heart attack like Williamson’s survive. “It wasn’t my time, and now I’m focusing on the positives and my future,” he said. He takes solace in the fact that his collapse occurred when other athletes were present, including a nurse and a doctor, which ultimately contributed to his survival.

Williamson is passionate about spreading awareness regarding heart health and the importance of training in CPR and defibrillator use. “If my story even saves one person, then that’s all I could ever ask for,” he remarked.

His teammate, Dr. Kate McCann, who was present during the incident, underscored the significance of community preparedness. “The club’s excellent CPR and quick use of an AED are an important part of the reason he is still with us today,” she stated.

Dr. McCann also emphasized the need for individuals, especially those over 35, to be proactive about their heart health. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Ireland for men and women, but 80% of it is preventable,” she said. “Many people don’t have symptoms. If you are over 35 and you haven’t done it in quite a while, make an appointment with your GP to know your cardiac risk.”

Williamson’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of cardiovascular health and community support in emergency situations.