WATCH: Paul and Officer Menon recount the event in their own words

Paul Del Santo never expected a heart attack at age 42, especially while doing something he loved—playing hockey.

But on a November evening in 2023, his life changed dramatically. “I don’t remember much, honestly,” Del Santo recalls. “One minute I was playing, and the next, I woke up in the hospital.”

While Del Santo doesn’t remember the exact moment his heart gave out, his teammates filled in the gaps.

After complaining of shoulder pain and sitting out for an entire period, he went straight to the locker room after the game. That’s where they found him—collapsed, unconscious and unresponsive.

A paramedic from the opposing team sprang into action, performing CPR until further help arrived in the form of City of Kingston Police Officer, Oliver Menon. When Del Santo was brought to HealthAlliance Hospital, interventional cardiologist Falak B. Shah, MD, quickly determined he had suffered what’s known as a “widowmaker” heart attack—a 100% blockage of a critical artery.

“People don’t usually survive this,” Dr. Shah explained. “Paul is lucky his teammates acted quickly, and he arrived at the hospital in time.”

A stent was immediately placed to restore blood flow to Del Santo’s heart, and after five days in the hospital, he began his recovery journey.

One of the hardest parts for Del Santo was accepting that it even happened. “I’ve always been active—played sports, served in the military—and I thought I was invincible,” he says. “But this made me realize I’m not.”

Since then, Del Santo has quit smoking, made efforts to eat healthier and is slowly building his stamina back. He hopes to return to the hockey rink when the season starts this October.

His experience also caused a ripple effect—after his heart attack, every member of his hockey team scheduled physicals and cholesterol screenings. “It scared them enough to take their health seriously,” Del Santo says.

His advice for others? “Just go get your blood work done. It’s a quick appointment that could save your life.”

As Del Santo continues to see Dr. Shah for follow-up visits, he’s grateful for a second chance. “Dr. Shah has been amazing through it all,” Del Santo says. “I’m just lucky to still be here.” Del Santo’s story is a powerful reminder that even young, active people with no history of cardiovascular disease should prioritize their heart health and get checked regularly. For more information about WMCHealth’s cardiology services, visit our website or call 845.339.3663 to make an appointment.