Central Georgia Man's Routine Heart Test Saves His Life

Thomaston resident Ronnie Paul nearly skipped the $99 calcium scoring test, which revealed severe plaque buildup and led to life-saving surgery.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ronnie Paul, a 67-year-old man from Thomaston, Georgia, decided to get a routine calcium scoring heart test, which measures plaque buildup in the arteries. Despite feeling fine, the test results showed an extremely high level of plaque at 2,228 - anything over 400 is considered severe. Paul was immediately rushed to the hospital and underwent open-heart bypass surgery just two days later, a procedure his doctors said was necessary to prevent an imminent heart attack.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of preventative heart health screenings, even for those who feel healthy. The calcium scoring test, which costs only $99, was able to detect Paul's severe heart condition before it led to a life-threatening heart attack. The case also underscores the value of not ignoring potential warning signs and getting recommended tests, as Paul had initially considered skipping the appointment.

The details

When Ronnie Paul's calcium scoring test results came back showing a score of 2,228 - far above the 400 threshold for severe plaque buildup - he was not allowed to leave the doctor's office. Instead, he was immediately transported by ambulance to Piedmont Macon Medical Center. Despite feeling active and healthy at 67 years old, Paul had no prior symptoms of heart disease. Doctors said bypass surgery was the only option to address the dangerous level of arterial blockage.

  • In July 2025, Ronnie Paul took the $99 calcium scoring heart test.
  • Two days after the test, Paul underwent open-heart bypass surgery.

The players

Ronnie Paul

A 67-year-old man from Thomaston, Georgia who felt healthy but had severe plaque buildup in his heart arteries that was detected by a routine calcium scoring test.

Dianne Paul

Ronnie Paul's wife, who said the test and subsequent surgery saved her husband's life.

Dr. David Langford

The surgeon who performed Ronnie Paul's open-heart bypass surgery.

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What they’re saying

“It wasn't a matter of if he had a heart attack, it was a matter of when, because he would have had one.”

— Dianne Paul, Ronnie Paul's wife (13WMAZ)

“When there's a narrowing in the coronary artery, it limits the blood flow to the heart muscle itself. This sometimes can cause chest pains or heart damage. Mr. Paul's case, he didn't have really either.”

— Dr. David Langford, Surgeon (13WMAZ)

“It's only a $99 test. I mean, that $99 saved my life.”

— Ronnie Paul (13WMAZ)

What’s next

Doctors recommend that people with a family history of heart disease or those over 40 with certain risk factors consider getting a calcium scoring test, especially during American Heart Month in February.

The takeaway

This story underscores the life-saving potential of preventative heart health screenings, even for those who feel healthy. The inexpensive $99 calcium scoring test was able to detect Ronnie Paul's severe heart condition before it led to a heart attack, prompting immediate surgery that his doctors say was necessary to save his life.