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June 15, 2008, 11:35 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Mercy  

Although Tim Russert experienced no symptoms of heart disease, he fell victim to a massive heart attack at the relatively young age of 58.

According to a recent news item on USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-06-15-heart-attack-russert_N.htm), despite the fact that heart heart disease fatalities had dropped by 50% from 1980 to 2000, it was still a fact that 50% "of all heart attacks occur in people who have no risk factors and 20% in people with no major risk factors".

I think for a lot of people, myself included, Tim Russerts death has come not only as a shock, but also as a wake up call. It's so scary to think that your heart and just seize like that with no warning.

I agree, it is definitely a wake up call. Thanks for your email as I was unaware that the numbers were like that. Time to start behaving on my diet and exercise again.

George

50% show no symptoms? WOW! I would never have thought it would be like that. Not only is this a good wake up call and a reason to watch your health but also a very good reason to learn CPR!

Thanks for sharing this.

Chris

I was watching a heart attack segmant on Good Morning America this morning and it said that about 60% of people have no pain while having a heart attck. They just collapse. How would you determine what was wrong and what to do until emergancy personel got there?

I read the article and a doctor was saying that Tim's death had resulted in his organisation fielding a barrage of calls seeking more information. This is indeed a wake up call for me too.

I think this is a wake up call on several levels.

First, regardless of what you do, you may still have a massive heart attack.

Second, live your life to its fullest. No matter how careful you are and how healthy you eat, tomorrow isn't promised to you at all. Eat and drink what you like and enjoy your life,as long as nothing interferes with your basic needs.

I heard that less than a month before his death, Russert had a stress test that he passed with flying colors. His heart was examined and everything was fine.

How many times have you heard a story about a person walking out of their doctor's office being told they were in great shape and then dying of a heart attack?