After suffering a heart attack two years ago, 64-year-old Albert Martin had to take a step back from his physically demanding job at an area resort. It was a difficult transition for the Carteret man, who was used to being on the move. He balked at the idea of slowing down and embracing a less active lifestyle. 

Albert also indulged his cravings for fast food and fried dishes, and sometimes missed his daily medications, assuming he could simply catch up the next day. 

"I acted like everything was fine," says Albert. "I didn't really change any of my bad habits."

Those bad habits caught up with him last summer while he was working in his yard. Albert says he felt a sudden cramp in his chest and called 911. An ambulance took him to the emergency room at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, where doctors determined he had a mild heart attack. 

While being treated for the heart attack, Albert felt a sharp pain shoot up the back of his neck and head, and had trouble speaking. When doctors asked him his name and where he was, he reacted with confusion and couldn’t respond. He also couldn’t move his left arm. 

The medical team sprang into action, and Albert was examined through the HMH telestroke program, which allows neurologists from across Hackensack Meridian Health to virtually examine those with stroke symptoms, review radiology tests and recommend the best course of treatment. In Albert’s case, the recommendation was to transport him to the Hackensack Meridian Health Comprehensive Stroke and Neurovascular Center at JFK University Medical Center. 

Immediate and Incredible Results

Albert admits it was a terrifying experience. He immediately thought of a neighbor who had been left severely disabled after a stroke. 

“I remember thinking, ‘Am I not going to be able to move my left arm? Am I going to be able to walk?’ I didn’t want to live like that,” says Albert. 

Fortunately, Brian Jankowitz, M.D., professor and chief of neurosurgery and co-chair for the stroke and neurovascular program at Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at JFK University Medical Center, began working on Albert quickly. He performed An Endovascular Thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure done through blood vessels. 

Dr. Jankowitz guided a thin, flexible tube or catheter through the carotid artery in Albert’s neck up to his brain. This allowed Dr. Jankowitz to suction out a clot that was blocking blood flow. Results from the procedure were nearly immediate and remarkable.

Following the procedure, Dr. Jankowitz asked: “What’s your name?” Albert responded in a crystal-clear voice, “Albert Martin.” 

“Where are you?” Dr. Jankwotiz asked. “In the hospital,” Albert replied. Impressive for a man who could barely say a word 30 minutes prior.

“Speed is everything,” says Dr. Jankowitz. “There was early recognition [at Raritan Bay] of his stroke symptoms, and they got him to the right place as fast as possible. He started to improve right on the operating table, and all through the night, to be near normal again the next day,” he says.

Dr. Jankowitz admits the results are uncommon, made possible by the lightning-fast response from Raritan Bay and emergency responders who transported Albert. Albert achieved nearly a full recovery and walked out of the hospital after suffering a stroke that typically has a 95% mortality rate if left untreated. 

State-Of-The-Art Stroke Treatment

Nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most of those are first-time events. Every three minutes, a stroke kills someone in the U.S.

Dr. Jankowitz says Albert was one of many patients to benefit from the state-of-the-art resources at JFK University Medical Center. The facility has 24/7 access to advanced neuroimaging, neurocritical care units and a highly specialized stroke team who can provide life-saving care. 

For stroke patients like Albert, JFK’s rapid-response protocols, innovative rehabilitation technology and top-tier neurological experts can literally mean the difference between permanent loss of function and a vibrant, full recovery. 

“We’re proud to offer a level of stroke care that is rarely seen anywhere else,” says Dr. Jankowitz. 

Renewed Focus on Health

Today, Albert approaches his health with a new level of care and appreciation. He has gradually reshaped his lifestyle, enjoying fresh salads and keeping a close eye on his salt intake. He monitors his blood pressure twice daily and makes sure to take his prescribed medications at the same time daily.

He also prioritizes his well-being and sets healthy boundaries. To avoid a fall while on blood thinners, he uses a walker for long distances, has a motorized scooter on the way and takes his time walking his loyal Yorkie three times a day. Most importantly, his four grandchildren are thrilled to have their grandfather healthy and present in their lives.

"If you're doing something not beneficial to your health, stop it, because you might not make it back," Martin advises. Today, he embraces his second chance at life with a steady, cautious gratitude. "There's no rush. I'll get there when I get there."

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our sources: Brian Jankowitz, M.D.
• Learn more about stroke care at Hackensack Meridian Health.