San Antonio Doctor Shares Heart Attack Story During American Heart Month

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Eloy Ochoa urges others to be proactive about heart health after his own cardiac event.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Dr. Eloy Ochoa, an orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio, is sharing his story of experiencing a heart attack shortly after Christmas to raise awareness during American Heart Month. Despite his active lifestyle, Ochoa underwent emergency open-heart surgery and a quadruple bypass after seeking medical attention for unusual chest sensations. He is now recovering and encouraging others to be attentive to any changes in their health and to seek prompt medical care.

Why it matters

Dr. Ochoa's case underscores that even active, healthy individuals can experience serious cardiac events. His story highlights the importance of proactive heart health measures and seeking immediate medical attention for any concerning symptoms, as prompt treatment can be critical in mitigating the impact of a heart attack.

The details

On the morning of December 26th, Ochoa woke up with 'kind of hot sweats and just a weird sensation' around his chest, though he did not feel pain or pressure. He went to the emergency room, where an EKG revealed he was having a heart attack. Further testing showed Ochoa had multiple blockages in his major coronary arteries, requiring open-heart surgery and a quadruple bypass just 48 hours after his initial symptoms.

  • On the morning of December 26th, Ochoa experienced his initial symptoms.
  • Ochoa underwent open-heart surgery and a quadruple bypass 48 hours after seeking medical attention.

The players

Dr. Eloy Ochoa

An orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio who is a heart attack survivor.

Dr. Scott Moore

A cardiologist with the Baptist Medical Network who performed Ochoa's cardiac catheterization.

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What they’re saying

“If you feel anything that's just unique or different, do not hesitate and go to the ER, because it can make a huge difference.”

— Dr. Eloy Ochoa, Orthopedic Surgeon (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Ochoa has resumed jogging, returned to performing surgeries after two and a half weeks, and is continuing his cardiac rehabilitation at Baptist Health Link.

The takeaway

Dr. Ochoa's story underscores the importance of being proactive about heart health, even for active individuals. His experience highlights the need for prompt medical attention for any unusual symptoms, as well as the value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through measures like prescribed medications, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise.