While jogging, a 56-year-old doctor suffered a sudden heart attack. He was rushed to FV Hospital in time, and the entire intervention process, from diagnosis to stent placement, was completed within just 15 minutes, bringing him back from the brink of death. The patient said it was “a miracle of modern medicine.”

15 Critical Minutes: Life-Saving Heart Attack Rescue at FV Hospital

On the evening of 19 August 2025, while jogging as part of his daily routine, Dr N.A.T., a 56-year-old from Ho Chi Minh City, suddenly experienced severe chest pain, profuse sweating, laboured breathing, and dizziness. Drawing on his clinical experience, he immediately recognised that his heart was in danger.

Realising the signs of a heart attack, a condition that claims millions of lives each year, he rushed home. His wife immediately called FV Hospital to report the emergency and took him straight to the hospital. Minutes later, FV’s Golden Hour Heart Attack Emergency Team was mobilised.

At 10pm, the lights were on in FV Hospital’s Cathlab. Under the leadership of Ho Minh Tuan, MD, PhD, Head of Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology Department, the medical team stood ready.

As soon as the patient was admitted, his vital signs were checked, and an electrocardiogram confirmed acute myocardial infarction. Any delay could lead to unpredictable complications. Without hesitation, he was taken straight into the Cathlab.

Ho Minh Tuan, MD, PhD performed a coronary intervention using a DSA angiography system to locate the blockage, inserting a catheter into the obstructed coronary artery branch and swiftly dilating the artery with a balloon before placing a stent to restore blood flow. The entire procedure was completed in just 15 minutes, saving the patient’s life.

Ten minutes after the procedure, the patient already felt his chest lighten and the pain ease significantly. He was discharged two days later. “The entire process, from examination to intervention, took only 15 minutes. I was truly impressed by the professionalism, speed and precision of FV’s cardiology team!” Mr T. happily shared.

The patient returned for a follow-up ten days later, and a cardiac ultrasound showed that his heart’s pumping function had nearly returned to normal. Dr Tuan advised continuing preventive medication and a healthy lifestyle.

As a doctor himself, and with a history of hereditary lipid disorders, a risk factor for rapid arterial plaque build-up leading to myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death, Mr T. has always been attentive to his health. When the symptoms of a heart attack appeared, he understood how dangerous the situation could be if not treated promptly and properly.

“When I arrived at FV, Dr Tuan and the cardiology emergency team treated me quickly and accurately. It felt like a huge burden was lifted; my worries and pain were immediately relieved. For me, this truly is the miracle of modern medicine,” Mr N.A.T. shared.

Cardiac Rehabilitation: An Often Overlooked Step After Intervention

According to Dr Tuan, myocardial infarction is an extremely dangerous condition. Even a few minutes’ delay can lead to cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, or death.

Rapid, timely treatment of heart attack patients helps minimise complications and maximise survival rates. FV Hospital always makes every second count. Its Golden Hour Heart Attack Emergency Team, together with the “70 Golden Minutes” cardiology emergency protocol, has saved many patients in critical condition.

After intervention, cardiac rehabilitation plays a crucial role. Proper rehabilitation can significantly lower the risk of recurrence. To support recovery, FV Hospital has a dedicated Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, where interventional cardiologists, technicians, and nurses work together using specialised equipment.

“Patients are assessed for cardiac function and guided on appropriate exercise, nutrition, lifestyle, and sleep habits. This ensures the best possible quality of life for the patient,” Dr Tuan explained.

FV Hospital is among the country’s leading cardiology centres, equipped with advanced technology and supported by an experienced team of doctors and medical staff. Among them, Ho Minh Tuan, MD, PhD – Head of Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology, has nearly 30 years’ experience treating complex heart cases. He has pioneered many of the world’s advanced interventional cardiology techniques at FV and actively shares his knowledge and innovations with the wider medical community.

Notably, for high-level interventional cardiology procedures performed in FV Hospital’s Cathlab, patients with state health insurance can receive up to 50% coverage of treatment costs.

FV’s Accident & Emergency Hotline: (028) 35 11 35 00

For more information on services covered by health insurance at FV Hospital, please visit 06 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Tan My Ward (former District 7), Ho Chi Minh City, or call (028) 35 11 33 33.