A dad who mistook the symptoms of a heart attack for a minor illness was left fighting for his life by a hidden condition.
Michael Gorf, 41, from Ramsgate, was with his partner and three-year-old twins when he began experiencing symptoms.
The first-aid instructor felt restless, with an aching jaw and teeth, but believed it would pass. He took paracetamol and went to sleep.
But in the early hours of the morning of March 24, he recognised something was wrong and called an ambulance.
On arrival, paramedics carried out an ECG, which confirmed he was having a heart attack.
He underwent emergency surgery at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford to insert stents and treat a blocked artery caused by an arterial dissection, which occurs when a tear develops in the inner lining of an artery, allowing blood to separate the layers of the vessel wall.
After spending four days in hospital, Mr Gorf returned home to his family to continue his recovery.
More than a month later, he visited Thanet Make Ready Centre to reunite with the team who treated him.
Mr Gorf said: “Even though I teach first aid, the signs that I was having a heart attack really weren’t obvious. Thank you, really, isn’t enough.”
Paramedic Jo, who was part of the team who cared for Mr Gorf, added: “Michael’s case highlights how important it is to trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.
“Heart attacks can present in unexpected ways, even for people with medical knowledge.
“We’re incredibly pleased to see him doing so well, and moments like this are why we do the job.”
