Young but Needing a Stent: A Story of Cardiac Care at Heartology

Mr. Franky Firdaus Sihombing (33), from Pamulang, South Tangerang, used to believe that heart disease only affected the elderly. Although he smoked—a habit his family repeatedly urged him to cut back on—he felt fine, and his routine medical check-up results always appeared normal.

Over the past year, Mr. Franky occasionally experienced mild chest and back pain but paid little attention to it. A company medical check-up program had recommended further cardiac evaluation, but he postponed it due to work commitments out of town.

In February, Mr. Franky suffered from shortness of breath, cold sweats, and vomiting, requiring an emergency trip to the hospital. He was diagnosed with a heart attack. Following further consultation, he underwent cardiac catheterization at Heartology Cardiovascular Hospital, which revealed a blockage in his coronary arteries.

Initially hesitant given his young age, Mr. Franky and his wife held extensive discussions with the medical team before deciding to proceed with stent placement. He appreciated how the doctors explained his condition in detail, listened to his concerns, and involved his wife in every decision.

His symptoms of shortness of breath and back pain have now significantly improved.