Heart-Stopping Moment: Teen Collapses During Workout
On May 10, Laura Machnik began her day like any other, saying goodbye to her 18-year-old son, J.J., as he headed to a friend’s house for a workout. However, minutes after confirming his safe arrival, she received a dreaded call from the friend’s mother.
At 14, J.J. was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart disorder known to cause sudden cardiac arrests. Despite being an active athlete with no symptoms, J.J.’s heart stopped suddenly during his workout with friends Trevor Hodgins, 14, and Giovanni Scafidi, 18.
“(She) called me and said ‘You have to get to my house as fast as you can, J.J. passed out on the treadmill,'” Machnik told CBS News. “All I said was, ‘Does he have a pulse?’ as I was running out the door from work … knowing what was going on, I’m just like, ‘OK, this is for real. This is it.'”Â
Machnik’s heart raced as she rushed to the scene. Meanwhile, his friends Hodgins and Scafidi sprang into action, performing CPR and calling 911. When paramedics arrived, they were informed of J.J.’s condition, allowing them to administer immediate and effective treatment.
“They gave him the best chance to survive,” said Dr. Matthew Martinez, a sports cardiologist and expert in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey. “It was less than a minute before they started CPR. That’s exactly what we want to hear.”
What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects about 1 in 500 people, causing the heart muscle to thicken and impair blood flow. J.J. was diagnosed with the non-obstructive form, which does not block blood flow but can stiffen the heart’s left ventricle. His father, Jeff, had been diagnosed a few years prior, leading to J.J.’s testing and diagnosis at age 14.
Managing this condition involves regular monitoring and educating those around the patient on emergency response techniques. J.J. and his family ensured that friends and coaches knew CPR and had access to an automated external defibrillator (AED).
A battle against the odds
En route to the hospital, J.J. coded twice in the ambulance and had to be resuscitated by paramedics. Stabilized and transferred to Morristown Medical Center, he faced a challenging recovery. His heart function had plummeted to 20%, and he was placed in an induced coma, with his body cooled to preserve brain function. As his condition worsened, he was put on an ECMO machine to let his organs rest.
Dr. Amirali Masoumi, who oversaw J.J.’s care, had a frank conversation with the family about the uncertain outcome. However, J.J.’s heart began to recover unexpectedly, and by May 14, he showed promising signs of brain function.
A remarkable recovery
On May 17, J.J. celebrated his 19th birthday with physical and occupational therapy. He was discharged from the hospital on May 23, less than two weeks after his ordeal began. Now equipped with an internal cardiac defibrillator, J.J. is focused on recovery and enjoying life, including attending prom and his high school graduation.
On June 20, J.J. walked across the stage at his high school graduation, a moment of triumph and testament to his incredible recovery.
“After what happened, which was devastating, it’s been the best it can be,” J.J. told CBS News, reflecting on his journey.
J.J.’s story underscores the life-saving importance of CPR training and rapid response, showcasing the power of preparedness and community support.
