Phoenix – Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with heart attacks being a common type. In the United States, it is estimated that every 40 seconds, someone experiences a heart attack. Country rap artist Colt Ford recently shared his experience as one of those individuals.
"I couldn't have been anymore on death's door. I died twice that day," Colt recounted about the severe heart attack he suffered after a concert last year. "When one of the top heart doctors in the world looks at you and goes, 'You're 1% of 1%,' it can't get more dire than that."
The musician was performing in Gilbert, Arizona when he collapsed backstage due to a massive heart attack. "When I played the show that night, I could do anything," he recalled. Emergency crews responded swiftly and transported him to the hospital. "I woke up eight days later, and I couldn't pick up a cup with ice in it and feed it to myself," he said.
Colt experienced cardiac arrest twice and was revived each time using defibrillator shocks. Kwan Lee, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., an interventional cardiologist at Mayo Clinic stated, "He would simply not have survived in most parts of the world that don't have access to such a high level of cardiogenic shock care."
Despite initial tests showing no blockages, Dr. Lee noted the unpredictable nature of blockages: "This is the unfortunate nature of heart attacks... Despite our best efforts...heart attacks can still occur in patients out of the blue."
Eight months post-heart attack, Colt is recovering well with exercise and diet helping him lose 60 pounds. He admits facing anxiety and panic attacks following his health scare but emphasizes self-advocacy: "If you're feeling something, advocate for yourself."
Colt has returned to creating music blending country, rap, and hip-hop genres. He hopes his story will inspire others: "Be happy that you're here...I get a second chance, and I want to do something positive with it."
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