Cardiac surgeon changed sleep, diet, and hydration after his heart attack

Dr. Jeremy London, a cardiac surgeon, suffered a heart attack in 2022 while hunting in the Georgia woods with his teenage son. He first dismissed the pain as heartburn, but the exertion-induced symptoms that eased with rest were classic signs of coronary angina; doctors later found a 99% blockage in his right artery.

Now 59, he says the episode exposed how easy it is to miss red flags, even for someone with medical training. Recovering forced him to confront gaps in his routine. Although he exercised regularly, decades of long hours left his sleep and recovery neglected, so he overhauled his sleep hygiene and stress management.

A trial with a continuous glucose monitor revealed pre-diabetes, and he now manages blood sugar by taking short walks after meals, adding movement breaks during the day, and including fiber and protein at each meal. Hydration also became a priority.

United States, Georgia

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