Tim Russert, A good man taken by heart disease

[BionicBabe]

I just want to say God bless Tim Russert, MSNBC journalist, who died this week of suddern cardiac death. In his case it was due to coronary artery disease. He was a great journalist and another person who sought medical help but didn't exactly get the treatment he obviously needed. His autopsy showed severe coronary artery disease and an enlarged heart. This is an example of why we should all take things related to our hearts very seriously. Heart disease is the number one killer in this country. May his family find peace in this terrifying time of mourning for him and may he be remembered by his countrymen for the outstanding person he was!

[rosetoes]

I was shocked and heart broken to hear the tragic news of Tim Russert passing.  I have become such a political junkie over the last few years and depended upon and had the greatest respect for his journalism style and fairness that he displayed.  He was forceful, honest and asked the questions that we all had for the interviewee.

I can't begin to understand coronary artery disease, but it is surely scary that a man that had recently had a physical and stress test and was given a clean bill of health, would die so suddenly.  I know that his weight was a problem...not overly so, he was very active and exercised regularly....it is so sad.

God Bless him and his family!

Rose

[BionicBabe]

They knew he had coronary artery disease before he died, but it seems from what I can tell they didn't realize how serious it was (otherwise I would think they would have done angioplasty or bipass). I'm not sure of all the tests they do to detect coronary artery disesase. I know they can do a cardiac catheterization and angiogram, which is invasive and probably not cheap. When they do this test, if they find blockages, they may go ahead and do angioplasty and stents during the procedure.

It just bothers me that here is someone (Tim Russert) who was under care for this condition and the seriousness of it was totally missed.

[jkfrench]

What a tragedy.  However it has left me confused.  I wish my mind would just shut down sometimes.  What test DOES detect coronary artery disease and an enlarged heart.  I just can't believe his stress test went off without a hitch.  Mine did too.  My Echo's are always fine too.  I'm 5'5" and 106 lbs but my cholesteral has never been under 200.  It lingers at 215.  My good cholesteral is high at 80 and my ldl is low.  My overall ratio is 2.9 and my doctor thinks that is fine.  Now I'm wondering if I should be taking something.  It is all very confusing.  He had everything under control yet had coronary disease and an enlarged heart.
Frenchie

[Momto3]

I always enjoyed watching Tim on the Meet the Press as well as the manner in which he conducted the political debates.  He will be missed by so many.  Surely he was among the best when it came to broadcasting.  

Here's to only fond memories for his family, friend, co-workers and viewers.