In an increasingly common occurrence, area man Andrew Hecht was rushed to Berkeley Alta Bates hospital following a major cardiac arrest induced by his two cats, Makelani and Filemu.
The events unfolded around 10:33pm when Mr. Hecht opened his bedroom window before going to sleep because of the unusually warm evening. In a sleep deprived state, also caused by the cats, he opened the window just a bit too much, investigators said. They estimate sometime between 10:33 and 10:47, the cats slipped silently out the window.
Mr. Hecht was able to rescue both animals, return them safely inside and call 911 before losing consciousness. He was rushed to the hospital after EMT first responders discovered him passed out the floor of his living room.
"It was ugly", said EMT Jarvis Greenview, the first licensed medical person to arrive responding to the man down call. "I arrive on scene. I notice the 'man down' is still down. And the cats were just sitting on him. Surveying the situation and surroundings, it was clear as day: the cats did it."
In the past year alone, Greenview has been called to the scene of 43 cat-related coronary incidents.
Mr. Hecht was rushed for emergency treatment to Alta Bates where he revived after several hours in the operating room.
"Mr. Hecht is lucky to be alive", said James Gostowski, Head of Cardiology at Alta Bates. "Feline-induced Myocardial Infarction is one our top killers. It's one the most fatal forms of cardiac arrest."
Feline-induced Myocardial Infarction (FIMI) is an acute episode of heart disease marked by the death or damage of heart muscle due to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle usually as a result of a coronary thrombosis or a coronary occlusion. It is characterized especially by chest pain, shortness of breath and proximity to one or more cats.
Aasif Gupta, a third year cardiology intern at Alta Bates, summed it up. "Sure, cats can be cute, and, while not fully researched, the healing powers of purring is undisputed in the medical community. But they are killers." Gupta added, "you'd be foolish to keep one or more at home."
Mr. Hecht will remain at Alta Bates for several days under close observation. When reached for comment, Makelani and Filemu just stared blankly.
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