Unfortunately, we hear stories like this far too often: people who seem like the healthiest humans on the planet, only to face a life-threatening health crisis. That was the case for 73-year-old Alexander Tal, MD. A lifelong cyclist and doctor, Tal considered himself in great shape until a 99 percent artery blockage nearly ended his life.
Tal had coronary artery disease, which affects the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. Over time, a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and plaque narrows these arteries, reducing blood flow. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, a heart attack. About one in 20 adults over 20 have coronary artery disease, according to the CDC.
After the scare, Tal reclaimed his health and returned to the thing he loves most: cycling. He spoke with Men’s Journal about his cardiac event and the steps he took to get back in shape.
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Noticing the Warning Signs
Before developing coronary artery disease, Tal considered himself to be in good health. He was plenty active, regularly playing soccer, biking 15 miles twice a week in summer, and using a treadmill in the winter.
“The first concerning symptoms appeared suddenly while I was biking. After a short distance, I felt pain in my back with mild shortness of breath. Once I stopped to rest, the symptoms disappeared, but each time I resumed my activity, they came back,” Tal explained.
Though he had no issues with daily activities, his symptoms persisted during exercise and eventually worsened, even when walking fast. He underwent a cardiac stress test with nuclear imaging, but surprisingly, the results came back negative.
As a doctor, Tal knew about the 10 to 15 percent false-negative rate for these tests. Trusting his symptoms, which were classic signs of angina, he sought a second opinion. Another cardiologist ordered a cardiac catheterization, which revealed a 99 percent blockage in his right coronary artery and a 50 percent blockage in the left anterior descending artery. A stent was placed in the RCA, restoring blood flow.
Returning to Fitness
Tal’s cardiac scare marked a major turning point, motivating significant lifestyle changes. He started taking the appropriate medication to bring his cholesterol down, adjusted his diet, and slowed down the intensity of his work. A year later, he retired and moved to Houston, Texas, for warmer weather and to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. In his new environment, Tal stepped up his physical activity and began cycling 10 miles every morning.
Previously, Tal’s cholesterol was extremely high at 300, with LDL near 200. Even after starting the prescribed medication following the blockage, his LDL remained above the recommended levels. Under the care of Christie Ballantyne, MD, at Baylor College of Medicine, he participated in a clinical study for an oral LDL-lowering treatment, which successfully reduced his cholesterol levels.
Though his comeback to fitness is impressive, Tal is a living testament that knowing your numbers, getting the right screenings, and keeping up with checkups matter just as much as time spent exercising. Don’t put off that appointment, and pay attention if something feels off.
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