Police officer thought a muscle cramp was harmless and then suffered a life-threatening aortic dissection

Detective Sergeant Chris Johnson collapsed after chest pain last March and was diagnosed with an aortic dissection requiring emergency open-heart surgery; he survived, completed rehabilitation, and returned to full duty.

Detective Sergeant Chris Johnson of Bartlett, Illinois, collapsed at home after feeling a chest ache last March. He initially believed the pain was a muscle cramp. Emergency medical teams took him to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where surgeons treated a tear in his aorta. His recovery included intensive care and rehabilitation, and he later returned to full duty and began speaking about heart health. Key facts: - Johnson collapsed at home after a sudden chest ache and was taken to hospital; his wife called 911 and paramedics arrived quickly. - Doctors diagnosed an aortic dissection and performed emergency open-heart surgery that lasted several hours. - He experienced serious post-surgery complications and spent time in intensive care before moving to rehabilitation. - After months of therapy, he was cleared to return to full duty and is raising awareness about hypertension and heart health. Summary: Johnson’s case involved a sudden, life-threatening aortic tear that required immediate surgery and an extended recovery. He completed rehabilitation, returned to his police duties, and has focused on encouraging attention to heart health, especially for people in high-stress professions. Undetermined at this time.