Healthy Georgia man took a $99 scan after seeing a flyer at his doctor’s office — by the end, he was being rushed to the hospital by ambulance
Sometimes, a simple medical test can reveal a deadly underlying issue that might otherwise go unnoticed. In July 2025, when a man from Central Georgia named Ronnie Paul noticed a flyer offering a $99 calcium scoring heart test at a doctor’s clinic, he initially considered skipping it. However, after deciding to take the test, a shocking discovery led to a medical emergency. Reported by 12WMAZ on Monday, February 23, 2026, Paul and his family revealed that he showed no symptoms beforehand.
Thomaston resident Ronnie Paul initially hesitated to take the test, but the results ultimately revealed a life-threatening issue that saved his life. He assumed it would be a quick appointment that would take only a short time. According to PEOPLE, after the life-threatening discovery, he was transferred to a hospital by an ambulance and underwent open-heart surgery just days later. For the unversed, a calcium scoring test measures the plaque buildup in the heart's arteries, which doctors use to assess a person's risk of getting a heart attack or other heart disease. According to doctors, a score of up to 400 is generally considered within the typical range, while anything higher is considered severe.
Paul's results revealed a staggering score of 2,228, which indicated that he was at extreme risk of a serious heart illness or a heart attack due to the high concentration of plaque buildup. Paul was immediately rushed to Piedmont Macon Medical Center, where he underwent his open-heart surgery. According to his wife he experienced no symptoms.
Paul, who is currently 67, enjoys spending time outdoors and is said to be an active person. Dr. David Langford, who conducted the bypass surgery on Paul, revealed that it was the only option left for them. He noted that when there is a narrowing in the coronary artery, it prevents blood flow to the heart muscle, which can cause chest pain or heart damage. Surprisingly, Paul did not experience any such symptoms before.
His wife noted that he was still very prone to experiencing an attack soon. "It wasn't a matter of if he had a heart attack, it was a matter of when, because he would have had one," she noted. Post surgery, the 67-year-old spent 10 days at the hospital and recovered in three months. Paul's wife is thankful for not having ignored the $99 test, which ultimately saved her husband's life.
Paul also revealed that after his ordeal, his friends and family members in other states have decided to undergo the test as well, and he speaks highly of its importance. Doctors also noted that it is essential for people with a family history of heart illness or who are over 40 to do the calcium scoring test to prevent future risks.
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