Larry King Combats Heart Disease Beat-By-Beat

 

I interviewed the legendary TV and radio host for Mediaplanet’s 2016 cover story, featured in a branded content campaign for the American Heart Association, distributed in USA Today.

Cover of Mediaplanet's "Heart Health" insert

Cover of Mediaplanet's "Heart Health" insert

Internal feature on Larry King

Internal feature on Larry King

 

It’s been 30 years since Larry King had a heart attack at George Washington University Hospital in D.C. Despite a legendary broadcasting career that began in the 1950s and included interviews with countless celebrities and thought leaders, King’s personal life wasn’t as polished. He was smoking three packs of cigarettes a day and eating a diet rich with greasy foods. But still, the severity of his heart attack took him by surprise.

“I shouldn’t have been surprised, I had been a heavy smoker for many years,” King reflects. “Initially, I thought the pain was something else because it was on my right side — my right shoulder. But after the tests at the hospital, they confirmed I had experienced a heart attack.”

IN HIS BLOOD

High blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol are well-documented risk factors for heart disease. Approximately 49 percent of Americans have at least one of these risk factors, making heart disease a prevalent concern. King’s own family history further amplified his risk; his father had succumbed to cardiac arrest at just 46, when Larry was only 9 years old.

Following his heart attack, King underwent quintuple bypass surgery, a procedure in which a plaque-clogged artery is replaced with a healthier one. This pivotal moment marked a significant turning point.

“For a short time after the surgery, I felt remarkably good,” King says. “I had more energy than ever, no pain. I quit smoking immediately and developed a newfound commitment to my health.” King’s transformation underscores the critical importance of addressing heart health proactively.

King's experience serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance in heart health. According to the CDC, someone in the United States suffers a heart attack every 42 seconds. 

In response to his personal health scare, King authored two books on heart health: “Mr. King, You’re Having a Heart Attack” and “Taking on Heart Disease,” which offer valuable insights into managing and preventing heart disease.

GIVING BACK

Today, King balances his busy career with regular exercise and a healthier diet. He is actively involved with the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, which provides financial assistance for heart procedures to those in need, as well as with the American Heart Association. His efforts reflect his commitment to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.

His advice to those grappling with heart health issues is both simple and profound: “You know what to do. If you think what you’re doing is wrong, you’re right. Pay attention to pain; don’t dismiss it. And get checkups regularly. You only go around once.” ■

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Chad Hensley