American Ninja Warrior Competitor and Family Man Survives Cardiogenic Shock

Morgan Wright, 48, is a physical education elementary school teacher, Army veteran, and American Ninja Warrior competitor from Ft. Myers, FL. Despite a family history of heart disease, Morgan initially ignored his frequent chest pain and general fatigue following his exercise routines. On July 26, 2022, Morgan was working out at his local gym when he experienced severe chest pain. He immediately left the gym and drove to an urgent care where he collapsed in the waiting area. Medical staff called 911 and paramedics transported him by ambulance to a local hospital. During the ambulance ride, Morgan was texting his wife, Lisa, when he went into cardiac arrest. Paramedics performed CPR and shocked his heart using an automated external defibrillator (AED). Once in the emergency room, Morgan again went into cardiac arrest. After receiving CPR and having his heart shocked, he was transported to HealthPark Medical Center for escalated care.

Morgan was immediately brought to the catheterization lab in cardiogenic shock with a reduced ejection fraction of 10 percent. Interventional cardiologist Dr. Orlando Escarcega placed a stent and implanted the Impella CP^® heart pump to allow his heart to rest. After two days of support, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Randall Buss escalated Morgan’s ventricular support to Impella 5.5^®. Five days later, his heart function dramatically improved and Impella^® was weaned and removed. After spending 10 days in the hospital, Morgan returned home with Lisa and their two children.

Today, Morgan’s heart function is normal (55-60 percent) and he has returned to work full-time. He enjoys spending time with his family, working out and helping others in his local community.