Israeli Woman Survives 23 Minutes Without Pulse After Three Resuscitations

Esti Roitman was rushed to Emek Medical Center following worsening abdominal pain, where she suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite being pulseless for over 20 minutes, medical staff performed three resuscitations, ultimately reviving her. Upon awakening from sedation and ventilation, Roitman was shocked to realize how close she had come to death. She recounted to 'HaOlam HaBoker' how her sister and partner had told her about the resuscitations, which explained her rib pain.

Roitman had experienced back and abdominal pain for about a month, initially attributing it to a gastrointestinal issue rather than a heart problem. She described arriving at the hospital confident she had a digestive blockage, only to be diagnosed with cardiac arrest. Her experience highlights the critical importance of heeding bodily warning signs and not dismissing preliminary symptoms or blood tests. "There were early signs that, had I recognized them, I would have sought treatment sooner," she said.

Professor Eitan Friedman, director of the genetic early detection institute at Assuta Ramat Hahayal, emphasized the crucial differences in heart attack symptoms between women and men. He warned that women aged 40-50 are at increased risk of critical artery blockage and urged anyone experiencing suspicious symptoms, especially during exertion, to seek medical evaluation promptly rather than delay until hospitalization is unavoidable.

The incident also underscored major risk factors, particularly smoking, which Roitman acknowledged as a turning point for her and her family. She described the trauma her loved ones endured witnessing her near death, with her partner urging her to quit smoking immediately to prevent future crises.