Barry Sanders, the former Detroit Lions star and Hall of Fame running back, is opening up for the first time about the heart attack he experienced last summer. This revelation coincides with the upcoming release of a new documentary titled “The Making of a Heart Attack,” which will premiere on A&E this Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
Reflecting on his health scare last June, Sanders took to social media to share the unexpected news, emphasizing how crucial it is to stay vigilant about our health. “It was unexpected and served as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant about our physical well-being,” he expressed. He voiced his gratitude to the healthcare professionals who provided care during this challenging time and thanked his family and supporters for their prayers.
In a recent discussion with The Athletic, Sanders elaborated on his experience, noting that he was on a recruiting trip with his son when he began feeling what he thought was heartburn. Ignoring the sensation, he hoped it would pass. However, as it persisted, he realized the severity of the situation and drove himself to the emergency room.
Initially, tests showed normal readings, but elevated cardiac enzyme levels indicated a heart attack. Sanders reflected on this eye-opening moment, acknowledging the challenges of recognizing heart attack symptoms, even for someone with his athletic background. He noted that many athletes often dismiss pain, which may lead to misjudgment in health situations.
The documentary features Sanders alongside other individuals who have experienced heart-related events, highlighting the shared realization that none of them expected their health scares. Throughout the project, they discuss the importance of learning about heart disease and being proactive about health. “The system, including healthcare professionals and patients, aren’t catching the signs early enough,” Sanders pointed out, underscoring the need for better education on warning signs.
Sanders, who previously maintained a healthy lifestyle, emphasizes the importance of awareness and education about heart health. He encourages viewers to communicate with their doctors about risk factors, especially regarding cholesterol levels, which can be crucial for early detection.
Now, a year post-incident, Sanders continues to focus on his health and advocates for heart health awareness. He hopes that by sharing his story through the documentary, others can gain valuable insights that lead to preventive measures in their own lives.
Life after his heart attack has been good, and Sanders expresses contentment in being able to educate others about heart health while reflecting on the significance of family and wellness. He encourages everyone, especially those who appear healthy, to engage in conversations about cardiovascular health to prevent future incidents.