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A renowned physicist recently underwent urgent cardiovascular surgery after experiencing symptoms of a myocardial infarction, prompting a public discussion about the importance of recognizing early warning signs of heart disease. Professor Kim Sang-wook, appearing on the tvN programme “You Quiz on the Block” on Thursday, October 19th, openly discussed his health scare and the harrowing experiance that followed.
Delayed Diagnosis and a Critical Turn
Professor Kim Sang-wook initially dismissed early symptoms, noting he first felt unwell around August. He described experiencing indigestion and a general feeling of sickness. As September progressed, these symptoms evolved into a distinct tightness in his chest – specifically, his solar plexus – during physical activity like hiking and running. “It was a feeling of tightness I had never experienced,” he recalled, adding that his research led him to beleive it resembled angina symptoms.
Despite recognizing potential warning signs, Professor Kim Sang-wook admitted to delaying seeking medical attention. “It takes a long time to make an appointment at a large hospital, so I thought I could make an appointment a month and a half later and wait,” he explained. Though,his condition rapidly deteriorated around 11 p.m. during the chuseok holiday. His wife, recognizing the severity of the situation, insisted he go to the emergency room.
Emergency Intervention and Complications
Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors steadfast Professor Kim Sang-wook was in a critical state. He recounted a chilling warning from medical staff: “They said,’It looks like a perilous situation,but are you showing any symptoms?’ and told me to hospitalize right away and have surgery at dawn. They said they couldn’t let me go because it could be dangerous if I went home now.” He also shared a sobering observation, stating he had “heard that in situations like this, there are many people who went to the bathroom alone and couldn’t come back.”
The subsequent surgery involved a cardiovascular stent to address the blockage. However, the recovery process was far from straightforward. Professor Kim Sang-wook experienced critically important post-operative bleeding, requiring him to remain immobile for over 20 hours. “I took medication to prevent blood from clotting to prevent blood vessels from clogging, but I started bleeding after surgery, so I had to sit still for more than 6 hours. I was unlucky, so the bleeding didn’t stop for 20 hours,” he said. He described the experience as “surreal,” questioning whether it had truly happened to him.
A Renewed Perspective on Life
The ordeal prompted a profound reflection on life.
Why did this happen? Professor Kim Sang-wook experienced a myocardial infarction (heart attack) due to a blockage in his cardiovascular system. He initially dismissed early symptoms, delaying medical attention.
Who is involved? Professor Kim Sang-wook, a renowned physicist, is the central figure. His wife played a crucial role in seeking emergency medical care. Medical professionals at the hospital diagnosed and treated his condition.
What happened? Professor Kim Sang-wook experienced worsening symptoms of chest tightness, ultimately leading to a heart attack. He underwent emergency cardiovascular surgery involving a stent. He then faced complications with post-operative bleeding.
How did it end? While the recovery was challenging due to prolonged bleeding, professor Kim Sang-wook ultimately underwent a successful stent procedure and is now sharing his story to raise awareness about heart health. he is now reflecting on life with a renewed perspective.
