It was the summer of 1958, Dr Jayantbhai, with his family members, had gone to Mahabaleshwar for a vacation. Midway during the trip, he went for a sightseeing trip in the evening, when he experienced severe chest pain and difficulty in breathing. He had an inclination of what was happening and asked for a lift from the people around to go back to the hotel. About 2 to 3 people were reluctant, but somebody had a good sense and took him back to the hotel. Fortunately, his physician friend Dr Kusumgar was with him and they decided to go to Pune for the hospital admission.
Meanwhile, the message had reached Mumbai, where his brother Vishnubhai was staying. He along with his father-in-law, Mr R. J. Sutaria rushed to Mahabaleshwar and helped him to transfer to Pune in a well-reputed Nursing Home called Koyaji Nursing Home. He suffered a massive heart attack and ECG was very abnormal. In those days, the treatment of a heart attack was complete bed rest, pain killers, anticoagulants and supportive treatment. Surgical intervention or Thrombolytic treatment was unheard of. By his strong will and determination he could get over the acute episode of the heart attack and after 3 to 4 weeks of stay and rest in the hospital, Nursing Home, he was shifted to Ahmedabad.
He was determined to fight. The heart attack changed his lifestyle, he gave up smoking (he was a chain smoker before), reduced weight, exercised daily and changed the style of his surgical work. He lived a healthy, faithful and meaningful life. He lived for 30 more years after this massive heart attack. He did not go for bypass surgery or an angioplasty procedure. He achieved many respectful positions and was active in politics, municipal Corporation and university matters. He was an example for many who had a heart attack and was invited to give lectures in rotatory clubs and other organizations. His favourite subject was “How to live a healthy and energetic life past heart attack “. Finally, in January 1989, he succumbed to his ailing heart and could not be saved.
