Glenwood Mayor Billy Plyler said he is feeling better after experiencing a heart attack and being hospitalized on Monday. 

In an interview Wednesday, Plyler, 72, said he had been experiencing shortness of breath for four or five days before seeking medical attention Monday.

“It just got worse that day and I actually drove myself to the doctor,” Plyler said. “I didn’t tell anybody, I just got up and went to the doctor.”

At Glenwood Family Medicine, Plyler said Dr. Matthew Hulsey quickly realized the urgency of the situation.

“He thought I was having a heart attack and he, of course, did an EKG and all that. Their office did great, called an ambulance,” Plyler said, “and got me to the hospital — wasted no time. Because of them, I don’t think I have much damage. I’m real appreciative of all they did for me.”

Plyler was taken by ambulance to National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs, where he said doctors confirmed he had suffered a heart attack and placed two coronary stents to keep his arteries open.

“The hospital couldn’t have been better,” he added. “Everything went great.”

His daughter, Brandie Plyler Killian, shared the news on Facebook Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of support from the community. She said her father was back home and resting. She also asked people not to call him while he was recovering.

On Wednesday, she posted that he was “feeling much better” and seemed more like himself. He spent time playing with his granddaughter, she said, “which made him smile.”

In his interview with The Glenwood Herald, Plyler said he has additional tests scheduled in the coming days, but that the assessment from his doctors so far appears encouraging.

“I’ve got very little damage for what went on,” he said. “I’ve got some stuff going on with my heart that they’re going to check out and they don’t know what all that is yet. Hopefully it’s not major.”

Plyler said he needs to take at least the next two weeks off to rest and recover.

Last month, Plyler filed paperwork to run for another term as mayor in the November election. No one filed to run against him.

Plyler said he was thankful for the medical care he received, as well as the support from the community.

“I appreciate all the prayers,” he said. “The good Lord’s got me in the hands of people who are taking good care of me and I’m very appreciative of all the doctors and the nurses that took care of me, and the staff. They all did a good job.”