Reality: Exercise didn't prevent my heart attack but it definitely saved me

For the better part of 20 years, I've been a solid 4 day a week gym goer, I'd consider myself more of a body builder (term used loosely) than a fitness enthusiast. I like building muscle, I eat pretty healthy, I'm active and atheletic. I'd consider myself in great shape for someone in their mid 40s.

I weigh 158lbs, resting heart rate is around 52-56, BP is solid 120/70, body fat around 14%, cholesterol 104. So what could go wrong? Famous last words. Lol.

Well, genetics and family history. Mother had a heart attack at 60 and survived, grandfather had a heart attack and died at 35 and then I come along an have one a couple months ago. I don't remember a heart attack being on my to-do list.

What gives? I did everything by the book. I quit smoking 20 years ago, no fried food, lots of veggies, water, occasional booze, lots of exercise and activity. My friends were constantly asking what I did to maintain such a good shape and I would tell them everything. I was annoying at times because I would tell them the food they were eating was crap. Guess it got back to me. Hahah.

The nutshell is that some of my arteries are weak. The minimal plaque that was lining the walls broke off and blocked the "widow maker" artery. I woke up to a slightly tight chest. I've felt something like it before after doing some serious weight training. No biggie, right. Stretch it out like you always do and you'll be fine. Not this time. As the pain that was dead center in my chest got worse, I couldn't ignore it and called 911. This was 15 minutes after it woken me out of a deep sleep. 10 minutes later, I'm in the ambulance being told I'm having a heart attack and eating nitro like it was candy. It has no taste for those wondering.

All in all, everything is as good as it can be. I have a shiny new stent and a really cool list of medications that I can't pronounce and a couple new doctors whose names I can. My heart is physically damaged with scarring. I've been in cardiac rehab for almost a month and even though walking 2.5mph for 10 minutes on a treadmill is pushing my current abilities, it's better than what could have happened.

My cardiologist said my heart was very strong during the entire event. They make is sound like a movie premiere. She said it was a combination of a healthy exercise and eating lifestyle and calling 911 and NOT ignoring the pain, is what saved me. I'm sure a lot of people don't want to hear this side of the story but that was my reality.

What do I think saved me? Modern medicine and the doctors and staff that were involved. Maybe the exercising kept me alive long enough for the paramedics to make sure I didn't drop.