Published: December 19, 2024

AHA News' most-read survivor stories of 2024

By ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ News

Doctor-comedian and cardiac arrest survivor, Will Flanary – also known as Dr. Glaucomflecken online. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Gubuan/Bridgetown Pictures)
Doctor-comedian and cardiac arrest survivor Will Flanary – also known as Dr. Glaucomflecken online. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Gubuan/Bridgetown Pictures)

What do a comedian, a mom-to-be and a basketball player have in common? Their tales of strength and survival. Here are the top 5 survivor stories of the year, ranked in order of page views:

1. Even after his cardiac arrest, doctor-comedian finds things to laugh about

Cardiac arrest survivor Will Flanary and his wife and co-survivor, Kristin, have taken their medical dramedy on the road.

2. Healthy runner's stroke followed a bad bout of COVID-19

Elevated blood pressure and her daughter's remark about her garbled speech led Shelley Marshall to the hospital.

3. Heart problem found as a teen flared in her 30s when she was pregnant

At 16, Claire Sprouse learned her aortic valve wasn't working correctly. In her 30s, she was pregnant when her doctors said her valve would give out.

4. NBA hopeful's heart stopped on the court. CPR and an AED saved his life.

Omar Carter was playing in a basketball game when he went into cardiac arrest. He later launched a foundation to help more people learn CPR.

5. Twin sisters uncover rare genetic condition that sent both into heart failure years apart

Sofia and Olivia Hart have a rare genetic condition that caused their hearts to enlarge and fail. Olivia had a transplant. Sofia is living with a device that powers her heart for now.

·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ News Stories

·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ News stories reflect the official position of the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ scientific journals or presented at ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ’s official guidance, policies or positions.

Copyright is owned or held by the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt from or reprint these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ News.

Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ’s Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.