"I woke up Saturday morning and felt an elephant on my chest." This was a different conversation than my usual Saturday morning banter with my barber for my once-a-month haircut. Usually, we would talk about sports, movies, and politics. Today the conversation had taken on a more intimate tone. "I'm getting sued and now I may have to declare bankruptcy." I roused myself from my typical Saturday morning trance and asked "Tommy" to tell me the story. Apparently, a year ago he had awakened at 4:00 AM Saturday morning with profound chest pain. Feeling Like he was about to die, he rushed to a hospital located 3/4 of a mile from his house. The nearest alternative hospital was eight miles away. He was seen in the emergency department and diagnosed with a myocardial infarction and immediately underwent cardiac stenting, with good results. He was discharged to home after a night in the hospital.
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