Derrick Hall, a 35-year-old resident of Waukegan, survived a serious heart attack thanks to prompt action by his mother and coordinated care at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital. The incident began on an August morning when Hall experienced vomiting before leaving home with his mother, Lisa Zebedee, but decided to continue their plans. Minutes later, while in the car, he showed signs of distress.
“About 15 to 20 minutes later, I heard a sudden grunt and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Derrick’s arm come up, pressed tightly against his chest,” said Zebedee. “I asked again, ‘Are you okay?’ but when I turned to look at him fully, he said nothing. The look in his eyes is something that still haunts me to this day.”
Recognizing possible symptoms of a heart attack, Zebedee drove her son directly to the emergency department at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. She described arriving and alerting staff: “I drove right up to the ER doors, telling the man behind the counter, ‘My son’s having a heart attack.’ Derrick walked in on his own, still holding his arm against his chest,” she recalled.
Hall was diagnosed with a non–ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), which is caused by partial blockage in a coronary artery. Doctors also discovered advanced coronary artery disease more severe than usually found in someone of Hall's age.
“When blood flow is reduced, the heart struggles to function; it’s unable to beat properly and becomes deprived of oxygen, which damages the heart muscle and can quickly become life threatening,” explained Dr. Ricardo Boix Garibo, cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital. “Time is critical during a heart attack. His mother’s quick recognition of symptoms and decision to get him to the hospital quickly likely saved Derrick’s life and prevented more extensive damage to his heart.”
After initial stabilization at Lake Forest Hospital, Hall was transferred for surgery planning at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital. However, within hours his condition worsened.
“Despite an intra‑aortic balloon pump and nitroglycerine drip, Derrick continued to have significant chest pain,” said Dr. Boix. “His risk was increasing quickly. We made the decision to take him for emergency surgery.”
Dr. Boix performed a coronary artery bypass graft procedure supported by an interdisciplinary team.
“Heart surgery requires a highly coordinated team effort — from the surgeon, cardiologists, anesthesia staff, physician assistants and perfusion teams to our nurses and ICU staff. Every individual plays a vital role,” Dr. Boix said. “At McHenry Hospital we are privileged and fortunate enough to have an exceptional team prepared to respond rapidly in emergency situations. Their skill, dedication and teamwork are reflected in outstanding patient outcomes such as this one.”
Following surgery Hall recovered well and continues regular follow-up visits as he works on regaining strength.
“I know it will take time but I’m feeling good and continuing to improve,” said Hall. “I am increasing my walking distance and I just had a stress test which went well. I am looking forward to getting back to how I was before the heart attack.”
Zebedee praised hospital staff for clear communication during stressful moments: “A room was ready the second he arrived... They allowed us to stay with him talked us through everything... Their compassion stayed with us.” Meeting Dr. Boix brought reassurance: “He was calm gentle and honest... He explained the plan without rushing always giving us time... After surgery he checked on Derrick regularly... His patience and kindness meant everything.”
Hall added: “Dr. Boix was incredible through the whole thing… He always took time… He listened when we had questions.” The family wrote thank-you letters delivered personally after recovery.
“We needed them to know what they did for us,” Lisa said. “They didn’t just care for Derrick they cared for our family… Dr Boix is our hero…”
The case highlights that advanced coronary artery disease can occur undetected even among younger adults like Hall who reported no family history or prior warning signs.
“I had no idea heart disease could happen to me especially at 35,” said Hall.
Coronary artery disease often progresses without symptoms until an event occurs; narrowed arteries can deprive the heart muscle of oxygen leading quickly to life-threatening consequences if not treated promptly.
According to Northwestern Medicine, nearly half of all Americans live with some form of cardiovascular disease—often unknowingly—and prevention measures such as screenings are important steps toward early detection.
“Prevention and early detection are critical,” Dr Boix emphasized.“Derrick’s story is a powerful reminder that heart disease does not always look the way we expect… Knowing your personal risk factors including family history… focusing on lifestyle that emphasizes exercise healthy nutrition sleep are first steps…”
Northwestern Medicine operates under its parent organization Northwestern Memorial HealthCare as part of its mission focused on patient care education research collaboration community service recognition humanitarian awards physician well-being programs and strategic initiatives. Howard B Chrisman serves as president and CEO of Northwestern Medicine.
For further information about cardiovascular care or assessment resources visit nm.org/heart or call 312.NM.HEART (312-664-3278). More about Northwestern Medicine's mission community impact recognitions leadership structure collaborations can be found via their official website.
