On Monday of this week I was experiencing chest pain that progressed as the day went on. By early evening, it was radiating throughout my entire chest and my arms were stiff. I called Stephanie (my loving wife) @ work at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus and she asked what what my blood pressure was. I checked and it was 208 over 119.

My mother-in-law took care of the kids and I had a friend take me to Riverside. At this point I really thought I was having a heart attack.

After arriving and having been assessed, the proceeded to give me nitro pills (3 times) and then a nitro patch on my chest, and then an IV nitro drip. My blood pressure finally began to return to normal levels.

This would be scary for anyone, but I am 38. This is not something that I would expect, even with the family history of heart problems.

After numerous tests, the cardiologist decided on a heart cath, because be believed that all signs pointed towards a blockage. Thankfully, everything checked out fine. They discovered that I have Pericarditis, inflammation of the pericardium, or fluid sac around the heart. No medication, other than ibuprofen is necessary because it is viral, bacterial.

What I learned most from this experience is that I must make every effort to ensure proper health, both physically and mentally and how much I love and adore my family.