All familiar stories. Denial is definitely powerful. I was convinced it was not my heart. Looking back in hindsight I wonder how I could be so stupid. The trouble is, at fifty, heeding all the signals your body puts out would be a full time job!

To answer one poster, my eating habits are so-so as was my cholesterol (about 205). That coupled with bad genetics is all it took.

The good news is I'm back skating (I coach youth hockey) and skiing. Waiting for another good day to get back out on the bike.