Leon Fowler has been part of Western Baptist Hospital’s cardiac history—twice.

As a special procedures tech in 1977, he assisted cardiologist Lowell Roberts, M.D., with the hospital’s first heart catheterization in 1977.

More than 30 years later, Fowler himself had the first emergency heart cath in the new Baptist Heart Center.

Fowler, 59, worked in Baptist’s cath lab for more than 18 years before taking a job with the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC). He was working there on Monday, June 18, when he had pain and pressure in his left chest.

“I first noticed the sensation the Friday before,” said Fowler. “I had been jogging for two and a half miles and felt pressure in my upper chest that then moved to my throat. The feeling subsided, and I dismissed it as a pulled muscle.”

When the feeling returned that Monday, Fowler knew it could be a sign of something much more ominous than a pulled muscle.

“I had the background to know something may be wrong with my heart,” said Fowler.

He went to the medical unit at his workplace and was quickly transported by ambulance to Western Baptist, where cardiologist James Gwinn, M.D., performed an emergency heart cath where he found multiple blockages and an occluded right artery. Cardiothoracic surgeon James O’Rourke, M.D., then performed bypass surgery.

Fowler had no prior heart health issues, but knows that his family history likely played a role in his condition.

“I’m very active,” said Fowler. “I jog three to four days a week, eat healthy and exercise. But my father died at 40 from a heart attack, and my grandparents also had heart disease. In the back of mind, I knew I was at risk.”

Fowler was surprised to learn he was the first emergency heart cath in the new heart center, but hopes his experience opens people’s eyes to all risk factors, especially the role family history plays.

“The irony is a neat thing in a crazy way,” said Fowler. “I hope someone’s life is saved after hearing my story.”

Do you know your risk factors for heart disease? Find out online at westernbaptist.com/heart. Heart risk assessment-takers are eligible for $125 worth of cardiac screenings at Baptist Prime Care for only $15. For more information, log on or phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918.