Mike Mueller Pickleball Heart Recovery: Mike Mueller, a 62-year-old man from Metro East, returned to play pickleball at the Downtown YMCA in Belleville on Tuesday, July 22, 2025—his first time back since suffering a heart attack on the same court on December 26, 2024. Mueller said stepping back on the court felt emotional but meaningful.
A Shocking Moment on the Court
Mike Mueller was playing pickleball with his son, Austin Mueller, when he suddenly felt pressure in his chest and became dizzy. He passed out and fell to the floor.
Austin Mueller, who is also a medical doctor, responded right away.
“I felt for a pulse and didn’t feel one and then rolled him back on his back and started compressions,” (Ryan Mueller).
Several others nearby helped, including Marvin Nelson, a trainer at the YMCA.
“We had just got recertified in CPR that June, so it was really fresh on my mind,” (Marvin Nelson).
CPR and AED Save a Life
An automated external defibrillator (AED) was used to restart Mike Mueller’s heart. He was then taken to Memorial Hospital Belleville, where doctors found a completely blocked artery. A stent was inserted to restore blood flow.
Mike Mueller later learned that his heart had stopped during the event. He credited the quick action of his son and others on the court for saving his life.
Mueller said he’s proud of his son for acting so quickly and hopes more public places will install AED machines.
A Reminder About Heart Health
Lexi Mason, a registered nurse and chest pain coordinator at Memorial Hospital Belleville, urges men in their 50s and 60s to take symptoms of heart problems seriously.
“Talk to your primary care physician if you’re having any symptoms. It’s not just the crushing chest pain that you hear about. It’s shortness of breath, it’s chest pain that radiates up to your jaw, you’re shoulders,” (Lexi Mason).
She also added that calling an ambulance is important when these symptoms appear.
“If you’re experiencing these symptoms… it’s important to call an ambulance instead of trying to drive yourself to the hospital,” (Lexi Mason).
Spreading Awareness Through Action
Mike Mueller’s return to the game is more than just a personal milestone. His experience highlights the importance of CPR training, AED access, and early action in saving lives. He now uses his story to promote heart health and emergency preparedness in public spaces.
News in Brief: Mike Mueller Pickleball Heart Recovery
Mike Mueller, 62, returned to pickleball at the Downtown YMCA in Belleville after suffering a heart attack on the same court in December 2024. His son, Austin Mueller, and others helped save his life using CPR and an AED. Mueller now promotes heart health and AED awareness in public places.
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