Jay Sanchez’s Journey to Heart Recovery: From Cardiogenic Shock to Proud Father

My name is Joe (Jay) Sanchez and I am from Santa Fe, NM. I have worked with the New Mexico National Guard for 30 years and I am a single father of one daughter, Emily.

After attending spin class, I knew something didn’t feel right. I drove myself to CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe where I suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed. After receiving CPR for nearly an hour, I was taken to the catheterization lab in cardiogenic shock where multiple stents were placed along with an intra-aortic balloon pump. Recognizing the need for additional hemodynamic support, my cardiologist inserted the Impella 2.5® heart pump to allow my heart to rest.

Once in the ICU, my family was told that I had a 1% chance of survival and I may have severe brain damage and possible paralysis. But after a few days of Impella support, my heart function began improving and the Impella heart pump was removed. After eight days of sedation, I awoke with no brain damage or paralysis and normal heart function. I walked out of the hospital under my own power and with my native heart.

My heart has fully recovered and I feel as healthy, if not heathier, than I did prior to my heart attack. Thanks to the Impella heart pump and the exceptional care I received from my medical teams, I am able to raise my daughter and, as a single father, it means the world to me.

Next Steps:

• Learn more about cardiogenic shock.
• Watch our patient stories to learn how Impella has helped patients.
• Learn more about Impella.