News Summary
A Virginia Beach financial planner, Jeff Geraci, survived a severe heart attack due to the swift actions of a nearby cardiologist. After losing consciousness while driving, Geraci’s vehicle crashed, prompting Dr. Deepak Talreja to perform immediate CPR, which saved his life. With a troubling family history of heart disease, Geraci is now dedicated to promoting heart health awareness and has made significant lifestyle changes post-attack. His experience serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of quick medical intervention and being proactive about heart health.
Virginia Beach – A 64-year-old financial planner from Virginia Beach, Jeff Geraci, remarkably survived a massive heart attack thanks to the quick actions of a nearby cardiologist. The incident occurred shortly after Geraci had exercised at Orange Theory Fitness, leaving him with critical artery blockages of 95% in the lower anterior descending artery and 90% in the upper part.
While driving home, Geraci suddenly stopped breathing and lost consciousness, resulting in his vehicle crashing into a business sign on First Colonial Road. Fortunately, he did not collide with any other vehicles before coming to a stop in a nearby parking lot. The crash prompted Dr. Deepak Talreja, chief of cardiology for Sentara Health, who was in an office close by, to hear the impact and sprint to the scene.
Upon arriving, Dr. Talreja found Geraci surrounded by deployed airbags and a shattered windshield. Geraci was not breathing and had no pulse, which indicated sudden cardiac death. The cardiologist’s quick thinking and immediate CPR were instrumental in saving Geraci’s life. Had there been a delay of just eight minutes, the outcome could have been fatal.
This life-threatening incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being aware of heart health, especially for individuals with a family history of heart issues. Geraci’s own history is concerning; his father had two heart attacks, and his mother died from one. Despite maintaining an active lifestyle that includes marathon running and regular workouts, Geraci was taken aback by the heart attack.
In the aftermath of the event, Geraci is determined to raise awareness about sudden heart issues. He is urging people to understand their family histories and to keep track of their cholesterol levels. Geraci has also taken significant steps to improve his health post-attack. These changes include dietary adjustments and ceasing alcohol consumption, highlighting his commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Now, Geraci expresses immense gratitude for what he describes as a miracle of survival. He aims to inspire others in his family and social circles to take heart health seriously, hoping to set a positive example for those around him.
The incident not only underscores the critical importance of immediate medical action in life-threatening situations but also emphasizes the need for individuals to be proactive about their health, particularly if they have a family history of heart disease. Geraci’s experience serves as a valuable lesson for many and shines a light on the vital role cardiologists play in emergency medical situations.
As Geraci continues on his path to recovery, he reflects on the experience as a turning point in his life, motivating him to be a better person and to advocate for heightened awareness regarding heart health in the community.
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Additional Resources
- WTVR: Dr. Deepak Talreja Saves Life of Virginia Driver
- Google Search: Heart Attack Prevention
- Pilot Online: Heart Attack Victim in Virginia Beach
- Wikipedia: Heart Attack
- Wavy: Hero VB Girl Scout Saves Dad’s Life
- Google News: Virginia Beach Heart Attack
- KBTX: 7th Grader Collapses in Cardiac Arrest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heart Disease
- WDBJ7: 11-Year-Old Girl Scout Saves Father
- Google Scholar: Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates
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VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
