Cardiac rehab gives Ogden heart attack survivor confidence to resume active life
Having a heart attack affects more than your heart says Jeff Wilson, a 47-year-old father of four from Ogden. On Thanksgiving Day 2024, Jeff was playing pickup basketball with his son and some friends when he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. Quick action by his buddies saved his life. But after having a stent placed at Ogden Regional Medical Center, Jeff was anxious, yet hesitant to go back to his previously active lifestyle.
"Before my heart attack, I was involved in a lot of physical activities, including basketball, golf, pickleball and running," Jeff said. "When I golf, I always walk the course. But after something like this, you’re a little gun-shy. When the heart specialists at Ogden Regional told me I needed cardiac rehab, my first thought was, 'Oh great, what is this?' Some people don’t do it, but I wanted to get back to my energetic lifestyle. It’s about confidence, learning that you can get back to your activities and knowing that when I run three to four miles, I won’t keel over."
The Heart Center at Ogden Regional Medical Center offers a wide range of specialty cardiovascular services, including a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program that includes physical exercise and lifestyle and nutrition classes.
Call (855) 413-7829 to learn about our cardiac rehab services.
Lifesaving care for heart attacks
Jeff’s type of heart attack is called a STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction), also known as a “widowmaker” because it involves the main artery supplying blood to the heart. His artery was 100% blocked and his chance of survival was as low as 10%. But because his friends acted so quickly and knew what to do, when first responders arrived on the scene Jeff was able to speak with them coherently.
"We were one point away from winning the final game and I had just made a joke about getting down court to score before I had a heart attack," Jeff says. "And that was the last thing I said, and that my son heard, before I turned purple and went down. One of my friends, who’d had a baby two weeks earlier, had just learned CPR. Another friend — a high school basketball coach — had just been trained to use an AED (automated external defibrillator). The night before, he insisted that we play at the high school instead of the church, which worked out because the school has an AED and the church does not. Many amazing things fell into place for my survival — too many to believe it was luck or coincidence. I am not lucky; I’m blessed!"
Jeff was taken to Ogden Regional’s ER, a Primary Stroke Center and Accredited Chest Pain Center offering advanced emergency care for strokes and heart attacks. They immediately sent him to the cath lab to have a stent inserted in his artery.
"Everything happened so fast. They were so efficient," Jeff said. "My wife is a nurse and was impressed, which is saying a lot. From the doctors and nurses to the radiologist and physical therapist, everyone was amazing, attentive and interactive. They explained things well and gave us a plan and a timeline. It was great."
One clinical colleague, in particular, made a big impression on the Wilson family.
"We had told the radiologist that our 19-year-old daughter was considering a career in medicine, preferably radiology," Jeff explained. "He made it a point to come back when she visited and spent 20 minutes talking to her about what he does and my EKG results. She now wants to pursue radiology."
Cardiac rehab graduate
In March 2025, Jeff graduated from the cardiac rehabilitation program at Ogden Regional with fanfare from staff and a celebratory bell ringing.
"I went three times a week for three months and only missed on Christmas and New Year’s," Jeff said. "It was fun. The physical therapists were really great and motivating. They do classes on nutrition and other topics, including the Mediterranean diet. I took them all. I was the youngest patient there, but we all had fun together and pushed each other. My entire experience with Ogden Regional was terrific."
Find out how healthy your heart is
Jeff is sharing his story in the hopes people will see the benefit of annual doctor visits (especially men, who may be less likely to go), the value of having AEDs accessible in more places where people gather, and the importance of being adequately trained in CPR.
Although Jeff knew that heart disease runs in his family, he didn’t think he was at risk. "It’s humbling when the cardiologist says, 'Unfortunately, you can’t outrun genetics.' My weight was decent, and my cholesterol was good," Jeff said. "I mean, we’re guys, right? We don’t get checkups. I go to the dentist twice a year but never went to the doctor. Now I do. And there are tests that can tell you if you’re at higher risk."
Find out how healthy your heart is with this quick, no-obligation survey.
In February 2025, National Heart Month, Ogden’s mayor and city council publicly recognized individuals who provided aid to Jeff, including healthcare professionals from Ogden Regional. Watch the FOX13 news story to learn more.