Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, with one in every five deaths attributable to the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC estimates more than 805,000 people experience a heart attack each year, and 20% of those people don’t realize what has happened.

While on his regular morning run, Adam MacDowell encountered an unusual sensation in his upper chest that brought him to a sudden stop, according to a news release from Ochsner Rush Health. As a former professional marathon runner, he immediately recognized that something was wrong.

Subsequent medical examinations revealed an unexpected discovery – at only 42 years of age, and with no family history of such issues, MacDowell was diagnosed with two life-threatening blockages in his heart.

Thanks to the prompt response of MacDowell’s cardiology team, they performed an emergency stenting procedure, successfully clearing the blockages. Following a full recovery, MacDowell has resumed his daily seven-mile runs.

The team of cardiology experts at Ochsner Rush Health is committed to addressing a wide spectrum of heart diseases and disorders. They are equipped to provide advanced treatments and procedures to combat various heart-related issues, including hypertension, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmias and numerous other cardiac conditions.

Ochsner Rush Health encourages readers to start their journey toward a healthy heart today by taking a free heart health test at ochsner.org/heartmonth as a part of American Heart Month.