Who is Steven Lome? Cardiologist saves 2 runners who suffered cardiac arrest during half marathon
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA: Cardiologist, Dr Steven Lome, from California, saved the lives of two marathon runners on Sunday, November 13, during the Monterey half marathon in California. He saved the life of the runners through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The two men who collapsed were Greg Gonzales, 67, who collapsed about 30 feet in front of Lome. Later, Michael Heilemann, 56, of San Anselmo, California, collapsed at the finishing line. Lome opined about saving both people, “It was actually an amazing response, It was quite a team effort," reported Daily Mail.
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“I felt fine, other than terrible chest pain, and they indicated that the chest pain was due to rib fractures due to the chest compressions,” Gonzales told Washington Post. Heilemann claimed that his father, who died three years ago from heart disease, experienced a cardiac arrest when he was 56 and eventually passed away.
Who is Steven Lome?
According to LinkedIn, Lome earned his medical degree from Midwestern University, specializing in osteopathic medicine. He then transferred to Loyola University Medical Center, where he completed a fellowship in cardiovascular disease and a residency in internal medicine. He has had a career spanning more than two decades. Lome was a cardiology fellow at Loyola College Health System and has worked as a cardiovascular disease specialist at OSF HealthCare. In between, he also served as a cardiologist at Rush Copley Medical Center for more than three years. He also served as president of the Plant-Based Nutrition Movement. Lome was also the founder and author of LearnTheHeart.com and HeartStrong.com. In addition, he still serves as a cardiologist and lifestyle medicine physician at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and is also the medical director of cardiology at Montage Medical Group.
He wrote on Instagram, "Ran a half marathon recently. I feel honored to be a cardiologist and use my training for the benefit of others but never expected those skills to be needed in this manner outside of work. At mile 3, right in front of me, a runner went down. Cardiac arrest. I started CPR…people called 911. The defibrillator arrived in 6 minutes, and the rhythm was ventricular fibrillation (fatal). One shock and normal heart rhythm restored."
Further, he stated, " Got him into the ambulance with paramedics and he was awake/alert/stable off to the hospital. Somewhat frazzled, I kept running to finish the race.
THEN…Crossed the finish line…and ANOTHER runner goes down in front of me. No pulse. Started CPR. Within 2 minutes, a race volunteer brought an AED (defibrillator). Placed the pads on his chest. Shock was advised indicating a fatal arrhythmia is again present. One shock. He opens his eyes and says, “Why am I down here?” To the hospital, he goes."
The doctor also explained, "Both had undiagnosed heart disease, out of hospital cardiac arrest, and made full recoveries. What are the odds that two people have a cardiac arrest in one race? What are the odds they both recover fully (normally, only 5% survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest)? What are the odds that the same cardiologist happens to be right behind them both? Kudos to the medical volunteers at the race for their efforts in organizing the event with ample medical volunteers. Being alert and ready to bring an AED as fast as possible saved two lives."
He added, "I still can’t believe this happened. This is why we need to focus America on the prevention of heart disease since the first symptom of heart disease in 1 out 3 people is sudden death. Eliminate processed foods. Dramatically reduce or eliminate animal foods, and focus on eating as many unprocessed plant-based foods as you can. Exercise is only 20 per cent of heart health; diet is the most important part!. For those in healthcare, check out the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. To learn more about diet and health, watch The Game Changers on Netflix + read the book How Not to Die. When I give public presentations, I always tell people that even if you are not in healthcare…YOU have the power to save lives by promoting a healthy lifestyle."