Jaw Pain Signals Heart Problem

Paducahan Bill McLain said he felt silly describing his jaw pain to his physician. His wife, Cookie, felt relieved.

For more than a month, McLain, 65, felt a full feeling in his lower jaw.

“It would come and go,” said McLain. “It felt like my jaw was tightly swollen, but within minutes the pain subsided.”

With his wife’s urging and McLain’s instinct that something “just wasn’t right,” McLain saw internal medicine physician Danny Butler, M.D.

As soon as McLain described his symptoms, Dr. Butler suspected something was wrong with his heart. He scheduled a heart catheterization for McLain, where cardiologist J. Kenneth Ford, M.D., discovered major blockages.

The next day, new cardiothoracic (CT) surgeon Keung Ung, M.D., assisted by CT surgeon Robin Howe, M.D., performed open-heart surgery on McLain.

“I feel very fortunate,” said McLain, “and I’m glad I didn’t wait longer.”

Today, McLain continues to make a great recovery and looks forward to returning to work as director of Materials Management at Western Baptist and to playing golf this spring. And when he does, he’ll have some heartfelt advice for coworkers and friends.

Dennis Rittenberry

“If something just doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t,” said McLain. “It’s important to listen to your heart.”

Quick Action Saves EMT’s life

As a local emergency medical technician, Paducahan Dennis Rittenberry knows time is critical in an emergency. Earlier this year, when Rittenberry, 54, experienced chest pain, he didn’t hesitate to seek help from Baptist’s Chest Pain Hotline.

“I told the nurse my symptoms and she told me to phone 911 immediately,” said Rittenberry.

He soon found himself in an unfamiliar position—as a passenger in the ambulance. It took him to Western Baptist, where emergency room physicians and staff diagnosed a major heart attack.

Within minutes, Rittenberry was rushed to the heart catheterization lab in the new Baptist Heart Center. Cardiologist Ralph Millsaps, M.D., placed a stent in an artery leading to Rittenberry’s heart.

“I have no doubt that the quick action saved my life,” said Rittenberry. “Everyone at Western Baptist was so attentive and caring. We were really impressed.”

Like McLain, Rittenberry had no prior symptoms of heart disease. The two have something else in common: quick action.

“I didn’t know what exactly was happening,” said Rittenberry, “but I knew something wasn’t right. My experience as an EMT paid off. Quick action and the knowledgeable staff at Western Baptist helped save my life.”

A Call That Can Save Your Life: 24-Hour Chest Pain Hotline 1-800-575-1911

Bill McLain and Dennis Rittenberry made the right call. They recognized something didn’t feel right and investigated. If you think you’re having a heart attack, don’t wait. Phone Western Baptist’s Chest Pain Hotline at 1-800-575-1911 to speak with a registered nurse immediately.

In an emergency, seconds matter. Trust your heart’s health to the dedicated professionals at the new Baptist Heart Center. Our response times are among the fastest in the nation, so you can take heart that your health is in capable hands.