Heart Attack! Survival Tips for Snowmobilers

Do you know what to do if you have chest pain or heart attack warning signs while out riding? Out on the trail, what starts as simple chest pain could actually end up being a life-threatening situation. I wanted to share my story, and discuss what could happen to you when you’re out on your sled.


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#heartattacksurvivor #heartattacksymptoms

[@MyOldSled]

Something a little different for my first video of the season, but I wanted to let you guys know what happened to me last year. I think this is good info for anyone who rides a sled.

[@jc0d67556]

Thank you for sharing this information. It's valuable to everyone out enjoying or working in the cold months.

[@donnytv69]

Doe’s caffeine play into affect at all ?

[@MyOldSled]

@@donnytv69 Not really Donny. Caffeine can cause temporary increases in blood pressure, which technically could be a risk to a vulnerable heart, as much as 5 cups of coffee a day is normally considered safe.

[@donnytv69]

Ok I generally stay away from caffeine anyways but there is a lot of people that do drink a lot of energy drinks and coffee lots of caffeine

[@MyOldSled]

@@donnytv69 Well, actually there is conflicting information out there. Some studies say it does increase your risk, others say it doesn’t. I drink 2- e cups a day.

[@user-is3xc1rz2b]

Excellent advice, not only for all snowmobilers, but for those of us that are just getting into the sport at a later age. Love the videos and expertise that you offer.

[@bradharfman4052]

Got back into sledding after 20 yrs. Got my 2006 cat stuck. Couldn’t believe it took 20 mins to get it out. Way heavier than they used to be. Thx for the tips. Stay well.

[@MyOldSled]

Welcome back to it. It can be a lot of work. Sometimes it's helpful to work smart instead of hard. Take your time, dig as much snow away as you can...Thanks for watching.

[@georgea6403]

I’ve had heart attacks. Dr gave a prescription for Nitroglycerin tablets. I carry them everywhere. Like you said. Chewable 81 mg aspirin will buy you some time. I tell everyone to always have some on hand. Glad you ok. Thanks

[@tomislavlulic9330]

Glad to see your okay Dave and to see your sense of humor is still there 😉

[@MyOldSled]

Always. Sometimes laughing is all you can do about a situation.

[@I8U4FUN]

Never expected that to happen! Lots of folks say that after a fall or a heart attack as we never plan for it happening to us. Great video-wake up for all. Glad to hear you're healthy and back enjoying the upcoming snowmobile season. Keep posting video's.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Jeffrey. Working on it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Roddy556]

Sorry to hear about what happened. Glad you are still with us and able to keep sharing helpful advice!

[@MyOldSled]

I guess in the big scheme of things it could have been much worse. Thanks for watching. Glad to be back.

[@marcbrazzers]

Safety first. Thanks for sharing the experience, always great info and glad to hear you're okay.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Marc!

[@MorettiPyrotechnicsLLC]

Glad your ok bud. World wouldn't be the same without ya. Stay healthy.

[@MyOldSled]

Thank you. I'm trying! Thanks for watching.

[@falcon9158]

Welcome back! Glad your feeling better

[@MyOldSled]

Thank you Falcon!

[@StreetersGarage]

Glad you’re ok and sharing your experience. I had a event with my buddy about 7 years ago out in the middle of the woods on Easter weekend. Absolutely scared the sh!t out of me. Luckily he made it out of the woods. But it was terrifying.

[@MyOldSled]

Yeah I can see that. Usually easier on us than people around us.

[@-newfie-]

Glad to see your still with us Dave.

[@MyOldSled]

Glad to still be with you Newf

[@thomasoconnell5427]

Glad u made it, most people don’t survive the big one unless close to a paramedic or ER. I’m 38, smoke with high blood pressure. I’ve been on the wife to quit smoking because it’s almost impossible to quit when ur spouse smokes. I hope u have many more productive years ahead of u. Plus no one does repair videos on older sleds as go as u. Keep it up thank u for all the advice

[@MyOldSled]

That is hard, but life is short enough as it is. You can’t force someone to quit, but if it was me, I’d be asking them don’t smoke around me. I’m lucky my wife never smoked. They should ban the friggin things.

[@scottmcnabb9122]

Sorry to here David glad your doing okay . Good segment to start with to David to start the season with . All the best David hope to see you do many more video cheer's all the best .

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks scott.

[@doclobster]

Glad you're alive and kicking! Welcome back.

[@MyOldSled]

Me too :)

[@20_below]

Excellent video, thank you and enjoy this winter.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks, you too!

[@ms79ta]

Sorry you went through that and happy everything worked out. My father carries nitroglycerin with him. He had five bypass surgery years ago after taking a stress test. Recently he had an echocardiogram which really showed how much blockage was starting to form and ct scans. He has Afib now so they're watching that closely. Ilook forward to your videos so stay safe out there. 🙂

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Tess. Yes I have nitro, but I figure anyone with nitro knows when to use it. Thanks for watching. Hope your dad’s ok.

[@patgenier1965]

Thank you. Probably the most important vid I needed to watch at 57 and getting back into the sport. glad you are ok. Im now a subscriber.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Pat! Glad you liked it. Hope you get lots of snow.

[@John-pc3cx]

Wow, so glad you made it through. Love your videos.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks very much John. Good to know someone like them :)

[@epicwilly123]

Glad you’re alright David. Thanks for the video.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Brayden.

[@aubertguillemette4355]

For any rider riding in areas where cellular coverage is limited, it might be a good idea to look into getting a satellite communication system (inReach / SPOT / etc.). If you're going on a ride in a remote area for just a few days but you don't want to invest in such a system (they can get expensive), there are some companies that rent them. Glad you're back and healthy David, looking forward for more videos!

[@MyOldSled]

Really good suggestion Aubert. Thanks for watching!

[@shperax]

Yay. It's that time of year again. More David videos.

[@MyOldSled]

Good to be back.

[@MiHeatingGuy]

Glad to see your okay

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks MHG!

[@scottmcnabb9122]

Hi David thank god your back love your show.

[@ArcticJeff]

Wow, glad you are ok and glad you are back. Great tips! I suffer from acid reflux and until it was diagnosed I had several ER visits with chest pain - almost identical to heart attack symptoms. Now that the acid reflux has been diagnosed and taking meds for it, I'm good. But sure was scary for a while.

[@MyOldSled]

Hey Jeff. Totally understand. Glad it turned out ok. Thanks for watching and sharing

[@DBarnim]

Excellent video David, experienced a massive heart attack myself, active firefighter and outdoors man, taught first aid to many and first responders. Shocked 4 times, 5 stents, placed in a coma for 2 weeks and single robotic bypass and I am still fighting 10 years later. Wishing you health and strength for years to come.

[@MyOldSled]

Wow, that’s more than anyone deserves David. Thanks for watching and commenting. Good to hear good feedback from a first responder.

[@mino4258]

Sorry to hear that happened to you but I'm glad you are alright now. I wish you the best and as a fellow rider I can't wait for more videos!

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Mino!

[@fritopg285]

Glad your okay now, take it easy for sure

[@Tubeagrutis]

WOW! Thanks for sharing your experience! Shows great courage. Glad you made it through and that you decided to continue to create vids for us. Take care!!!

[@allensnook7760]

Very courageous noble and informative for you to speak and teach about this silent killer on your near miss,was suprised you didnt mention if ur sled is pull start only ,for gods sake spend the few extra dollars n have it adapted over to electric start.lost my beloved grandfather of 66yrs old in 2006 on a snowmobile outing on bull run vista trail here in pa.him n buddy was out buddy got ahead,noticed no lights behind turned around found him next to sled dead!!it had stalled,he tryed yanking on pull start only,bang he was gone.worst part he talked about installing elect.he was healthy looking but liked his bacon and smoked pipe many yrs.worst of all he had a warning something was amiss just one month back.for his retirment gift he went to hunt mule deer out in colorado,while he got his buck,he also got short of breath,slipped and twisted n banged up rifle.when he got back my gram pleaded to go see his doc.bull headed instead he went to a chiropractor who said yeah ur all better.who know maybe chiropractor loosened a blood clot up into his heart area,latter-day he was gone forever.R.i.P paw,paw he was great!!snookie pa.thanks buddy!💥🤟✌️😜👍💥

[@MyOldSled]

Awe..thanks. The only part that was really courageous was showing my picture in a gown in the CCU but like I said, I have the legs for it. :) Really sorry to hear about your grandfather. That must have been quite a shock. My 600 has electric start, the 670 is a bit of a work out but I am working out a lot and being careful. who knows I may add one one day. Would be a fun project. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.

[@gregmullen1445]

Good info David, glad to see you again and glad you are ok,

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Greg.

[@mikepurdue7472]

Glad you're okay, and thank you for the advice!

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Mike.

[@worshipguitarnow777]

Great video Dave. Always enjoy your videos. Glad to see you are back in the game.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for watching and commenting! WGN.

[@jamesfisk2758]

Glad you are ok.

[@MyOldSled]

Thank you James!

[@georgescofield6834]

Glad you made it through man. Miss your videos. Hope you rack up some miles this winter

[@MyOldSled]

Fingers crossed. Thanks for watching.

[@Daniel-gt4hg]

Glad you are ok. Stay safe!

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for watching Daniel.

[@hollymorrow70]

Great video David - lots of good info here! That was quite a personal (horror) story to share! Wishing you a fantastic riding season to make up for last year! Keep the awesome videos coming! :) :)

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Holly!

[@Aleks-gt1ki]

So happy your ok friend, and excellent message to all. Thank you

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Aleks

[@farmark457]

Glad your ok and thanks for the update and advice. Hope you have a great season ahead. Thx

[@MyOldSled]

Hey Farmark! Thanks for checkin in. Yeah I hope so too.

[@michaelroe4662]

Wow David! I had exactly the same thing happen last year. I passed every test a year before. I even passed the EKG even when I was having the attack. It wasn’t until the blood test came to that they knew.

[@MyOldSled]

In my case, the blood work on the Saturday was clear for cardiac enzymes. As a health professional, I knew what was going on so I went in before they were elevated. Had they repeated them a few hours later….anyway, I’m good now and getting better. Hope you are as well.

[@michaelroe4662]

@@MyOldSled That’s great to hear. One stent later and I’m great.

[@davidbjerrum6178]

glad your up and goin again. i have a mass on my lung and the hspital has no idea what it is. and yes, i have had all the tests imaginable done and multiple times at that. they still have no idea what it is. chest pain, hard to breath and both lungs are inflamed. i finally gave in after 8 months to go get a second opinion. hopefully i will have some answers december 20th. anyway, keep the vids comin. love your channel.

[@MyOldSled]

I’m sorry to hear you’re going through that. I hope you get some answers and they are positive ones. I’m sure that’s scary. Thanks for watching. 🙏🏻

[@jeromeallegrezza7561]

Glad you are ok!!

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Jerome! Happy New Year

[@rightwinggunslinger1]

Thanks for sharing that. Hard to do. Much love from central minnesota.

[@MyOldSled]

Not so hard if it helps someone.

[@Pupperkins]

Glad you are ok man

[@MyOldSled]

Me too bros, me too. Thanks for watching

[@Khack529]

glad you pulled through man

[@MyOldSled]

Me too! Thanks for watching.

[@reidmcnabb818]

Glad your ok!

[@MyOldSled]

Thank you Reid. All the best in the New Year

[@Bergur.Palsson]

Thanks for a good vid. Nice to see stuff from you again :-)

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks! Glad to be back!

[@OnwardSoldier]

Glad you're back and okay! I actually bought my very own first sled this year. 1998 Skidoo Formula Z 670. Looking forward to the season!

[@MyOldSled]

Excellent. Hope it's a great season.

[@JakeCr]

I was wondering where you went last season. Glad you’re ok and hoping for some more informative videos this winter. Thanks for sharing this!

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Jake. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@timsturm4794]

Glad all worked out!!!

[@MyOldSled]

So am I!!

[@italianbulldog3319]

Glad to see that you are on the mend! This has happened to a few friends and neighbours I know. They consider it a second chance. Stay well and take care of yourself.

[@MyOldSled]

It's definitely a second chance. Knowing that would have been my day if I hadn't been right there is a sobering thought. I was so lucky to get care from some amazing Doctors, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team. So fortunate.

[@italianbulldog3319]

Yes... get yourself a lottery! We have some amazing health care providers.Wife and I had some amazing help from them this year too. We're better and plan on enjoying lots of sledding this season and hopefully you will too. 👍

[@fishnsled]

I'm glad everything worked out for the best for you David. From your initial visit to emergency and them dismissing your heart as the cause of your pain, what more should have been done by them? I've had some mild symptoms over the past few months and my doctor did some tests, (ECG and blood work) and all was fine. I check off a few of "your boxes" and why I brought my concerns to my doctor. Glad to see you back!!

[@MyOldSled]

Hi WH. Theres a lot of details behind those questions. Had I gone back to the hospital when symptoms persisted, they likely would have been able to identify the issue, but like I mentioned, I figured it was my ribs, and didn't want to be a pain. Sounds like you've done the right thing in speaking with your doctor. There are a lot of benign things that can cause chest pain. I would just say make an appointment if you are still concerned or things change. Thanks for watching.

[@fishnsled]

@@MyOldSled that's a typical guy answer, we don't won't to be a pain. Especially with our healthcare crisis in the province. I'd likely do the same but after seeing your video I'd be a pain and get to the bottom of it. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@Castwich]

1:13 love your videos glad your ok but the wording had me Rofl 😂

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Cas. Glad you enjoyed it. ;)

[@newenglandlife978]

God bless you buddy

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks NewEngland

[@robertfagga7921]

Great video Dave! Being prepared for the unexpected 8s great advice for sledders. Whether it's a trail tool kit or self care,it matters. Glad to see you back on the tube and feeling better.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for watching!

[@snowking55]

Wow, that was a close call Dave. Glad everything worked out for you and glad to see you back. Yes sometimes our mind can tell us we still can accomplish certain things, while the body says hold on dude, you're not as young as you think you are. Good exercise and eating right play a major role in good cardiac condition. But we have to be reasonable when it comes to exerting ourselves, especially at the start of the snowmobile season. Look forward to coming videos, take care!

[@MyOldSled]

Hey King. Good to see you. Thanks for watching.

[@vincentvanier]

Glad you are back on it, Dave! Was wondering what happened. Keep up the good work!

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Vincent, will do!

[@kjones2294]

Great video. Thanks for making this. It really struck a chord with me as I’m high risk for heart trouble. I appreciate your tips specifically carrying some aspirin during rides. I hope you’re doing well since your ordeal. Cheers

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks K, Im getting there. Glad you found it useful.

[@CraigArndt]

God Bless you Dave, glad to hear you are ok and you made it. Scary scary stuff. This is a great video, especially for guys like us that started sledding later in life. Be well, happy holidays too.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it. I wasn't sure how it would be received.

[@doobyboy21]

Didn't even know you smoked ! This frightening moment surely got you to throw that shiity pack of cigarettes away for good ! What ever you do, never go off trail riding cause that is one hell of a work out ! And do buy a bag or 2 of salt for that ice ! Looking forward for the videos Dave and glad you are doing better man ! 😉

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks DB. Hope you have a great season.

[@Paisteboy]

Wow! Glad to see you've recovered. Did you have to have heart surgery?

[@MyOldSled]

Hey Paisteboy! How are ya? I was just watching your new video. I'm getting there, been a LONG summer. They did an angioplasty to open the artery and place a stent without open heart surgery.

[@Paisteboy]

@@MyOldSled sounds like they took good care of you. I wonder why they didn't see this when you went to emergency shorty before? Hopefully you didn't do any damage to your heart. I think riding your sled will be stress free and good for your heart. Thanks for checking out my video too.

[@MyOldSled]

​@@Paisteboy Explaining cardiac blood work and timing is a bit much for chat, and honestly I'm not 100% clear on why myself, I'm just happy when I really needed them, I had a very competent, capable physician on duty.

[@WizardsDoMagic]

There are 2 types STEMI (S T elevation myocardial infarction) and NSTEMI (Non S T elevation myocardial infarction) STEMI is one we can see in the field and transport directly to a cath lab. NSTEMI requires blood work for an enzyme called tropnin. Tropnin shows cell death/decay from elevated stress levels in the heart. If you were having a STEMI, the doctors missed it and really put your life and cardiac health in jeopardy.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Fireman, yes and no…If I had been having a stemi on Saturday when i first went in, I wouldn’t have been around to have the STEMI later in the week which, was diagnosed and treated. Both stemi and nstemi result in elevated troponin. Untreated nstemi progresses to stemi. They likely did miss it on the Saturday. But…cardiac troponin concentrations can begin to rise as much as 4-6 hours after symptoms appear. As health professionals my wife and I both had a pretty good idea what was happening and went to ER right away…It’s impossible to know for sure, but in hindsight they should have kept me in and repeated bloodwork a few hours later, which very likely would have shown something. I think the pain I was experiencing from the fractures threw everyone off. I’m just grateful that I had excellent care when I really needed it. Thanks for watching!

[@WizardsDoMagic]

@@MyOldSled STEMI, is mostly caused by blockage of arteries and the elevated tropnin is a byproduct from the stress. I work in the medical field as a paramedic and have seen my fair share of both. STEMI is very life threatening. Glad you are still around. I want to add that you know your body better than anyone else, and the pain you were feeling isn't common with what you broke. Anytime there is jaw pain not related to a jaw injury, is a major sign of cardiac issues. Your nurses and doctors should have advocated a little more on your behalf.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi again, I believe a STEMI results from the complete occlusion of a coronary artery while NSTEMI usually results from a transient occlusion or severe narrowing of a coronary artery. Elevated troponin levels result from the death of cardiac muscle, when the enzyme is released into the blood stream. That’s right, esp in men, deferred jaw pain is a strong indicator of potential cardiac issues, but can be caused by a number of other things, including musculoskeletal . I do agree the pain I was feeling was different than what i would expect with my fractures, and as I said, I also agree during my first visit, they should have rechecked my bloodwork in a few hours. But…I am also glad I’m still around, and prefer to focus on how fortunate I am to have been where I was, when I was, when it really counted. I prefer to focus on that. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@MyOldSled]

…and, thanks for being there for people. First responders are a big part of why I’m still here.

[@WizardsDoMagic]

@@MyOldSled you are correct, looks like you did your research.

[@richarddeschamps5425]

Had 2 stints put in since oct last year. Felt great after the first one, walked for 10 miles etc, by july I needed another one and the first one blown out. Still feel like crap, and its dec now. Don't know if I'll even get a chance to ride my sled.

[@MyOldSled]

Wow Richard. Sorry to hear. Hope this one is more uneventful and that you start feeling better soon. So far my stent is still where I left it....I spent most of the summer recovering and working out with the support of my rehab team. Starting to feel much better now. Hang in there.

[@richarddeschamps5425]

@@MyOldSled trying brother

[@allensnook7760]

Maybe get a team of friends for support and just hit some flat trails areas.nothing to far off beaten path,just short distances n back to warm camp and have help loading n unloading.hope u still get to enjoy the sled,seems to be the norm.takes forever and age to get proper toys then our health and age causes us to sell them at half price.snookie pa.💥👍💥

[@kylegriemsmann7432]

Can you do a video of changing your headlights on the rev chassis

[@MyOldSled]

Yep

[@AARIDES]

Can you do one on how to tighten the chain in you chain case I also have a 2005 skidoo renegade

[@MyOldSled]

Yes but if you message me on Facebook I can help

[@youareright5431]

You should have changed this channel to my old ass!! 😂😂 believe me I'm closer to 60 than 50 I actually think about this!! I'm only nervous when i have my dog with me I don't want him to be left out somewhere by himself....

[@larryalbany9527]

Do you think it was related to the vaccine?

[@MyOldSled]

Well I can’t say 100% either way. The vaccine can cause hypercoagulation but I did smoke for many years and I love fried food.

[@deanfranks1524]

Great video Dave. As a paramedic in Ontario who's also an avid sledder, I can't recommend the what3words app enough. This app takes google maps and breaks it down into 3 metre squares, assigning 3 random words (e.g., cat.house.truck) to create your LAT, LONG coordinates for the dispatcher to easily locate you on their end. If calling 911 in the bush or a rural area it can be incredibly helpful. It has helped me locate hikers who are injured as well as ATVers so far but will be invaluable to sledders as well. what3words.com/about Also as a side note, great job on the information. Men present typically with the classic S&S (Pain radiating to jaw, neck, arm, etc... as well as crushing chest pain.) Women often present atypical and depending on age can often misinterpret S&S of a heart attack for menstrual cycle symptoms (Nausea, lower back pain, cramping, feeling generally unwell). As you mentioned in the video, most often when someone is having a true heart attack (STEMI), there is a sense of impending doom. Absolutely phone 911. Glad you are feeling better and thank you for sharing your experience!

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Dean great feedback. Find health teaching in a way thats useful re some of those symptoms for Female pts difficult in this kind of tip video, but good points. Great tip about what3words, I will check it out. Thanks for the work you do every day.

[@MyOldSled]

Very cool.i checked it out. Is the app standard for first responders? Will 911 know what you are referring to?

[@deanfranks1524]

@@MyOldSled most first responders are aware of it, but it isn’t something we are required to use. 911 dispatchers will be aware of it and know what you are referring to. Also I totally get the teaching point, just wanted to add a bit of my own experience for anyone scrolling through the comments! You did an excellent job explaining 😊

[@BlueRage]

Did you take the vaccines?

[@MyOldSled]

Sorry RBR, but completely irrelevant. Whether I did or did not, vaccines don’t cause heart disease or plaque in arteries. Sorry, its just plain old boring but crappy life choices. Lifetime of fried food, high cholesterol, smoking and sedentary lifestyle. There are side effects and some cardiac related, but heart disease is pretty easily diagnosed with an angiogram. Thanks for watching.