I have been an exercise "nut" since 12 years old. I have worked out doing cardio and strengthening with participation in sports my whole life. At 48 I had a heart attack. On the 17 of March 2013 I had to call 911 due to chest pain that started two weeks earlier on and off when ever I exerted myself...I thought it was acid reflux. Well the pain got so bad, I had to call emergency services and glad I did. Within 24 hours of being admitted to hospital, they had me in the Angioplasty lab doing surgery on me. I had a stent put in one of my arteries in my heart that was 100% blocked. I have 2 others 40% and one at 60% blocked (not worth stenting if over 80%).
I have always exercised...ate a healthy diet. Now I am on 5 medications and my diet is insanely low-fat and sugar. I hope that helps. I don't smoke! The Cardiologist was surprised how bad my arteries were. After many questions, they determined I was a victim of heart attack due to high-stress in my life (especially lately with work being insanely busy and the death of my Father plus moving all within a year)...And a hereditary with heart and vascular disease in my family.
So my message to all my sly friends is keep an eye on yourself, especially if you have these problems in your family history. Also please watch what you eat...saturated fats and refined sugar is garbage for our bodies!
The cardiologist did say that being fit did save me from possible death, so all the working out was not a waste of time, but it doesn't make you immune to heard and vascular problems.
I now begin the long road to recovery but I'm up for it...walking, swimming and bicycle riding...bring it!