TL;DR
Get health and wellness essentials delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
CC Sabathia says a near-fatal heart scare in 2018 changed how he thinks about health and prompted him to pay closer attention to diet and LDL cholesterol. Speaking at Yankee Stadium ahead of the retirement of his No. 52, he urged people to know their numbers and discuss them with a doctor.
Former New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is using his experience with a severe artery blockage to encourage people to monitor cholesterol and take long-term health seriously. Speaking at Yankee Stadium the day before the Yankees retired his No. 52, Sabathia said he learned in 2018 that an artery leading to his heart was 90% blocked and underwent emergency angioplasty with a stent.
Sabathia said he woke up in the middle of the night in November 2018 vomiting and initially thought he might be having a heart attack. Medical evaluation found the blockage. He said that without knowing what was happening and staying on top of his health, he could have died at age 38. His remarks describe his own experience; they do not establish how another person should assess or treat heart risk.
Sabathia pointed to LDL-C, commonly called “bad” cholesterol, as the number he wants people to understand. He urged them to check with a doctor and learn what is happening inside their bodies. The report identifies high LDL-C as a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death in the United States.
He discussed his experience as part of Playing with Heart, a cholesterol-awareness program involving Merck, WomenHeart and nine MLB franchises, according to Athletech News. Sabathia said changing his diet was the biggest step he took to improve his LDL-C. He described his current diet as mainly Mediterranean and said he has lost weight, while continuing to lift weights and do cardio at his own pace.
A Health Message Beyond Baseball
Sabathia’s account gives a personal example of why conversations about health can continue after an athlete’s playing career ends. He said his symptoms initially led him to suspect a heart attack, and tests revealed a serious blockage that required emergency treatment. His call to know cholesterol levels and talk with a doctor puts the emphasis on medical monitoring rather than assumptions based on age, fitness or athletic background.
He also argued that athletes can help make discussion of long-term wellness more ordinary. Sabathia said he speaks publicly about experiences including alcohol dependency and his heart condition because others may be dealing with similar issues. His comments connect that openness to a broader shift he sees among younger players, who he said are more attentive to their bodies than players in his generation were.
Top picks for "yanke legend sabathia"
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
From Emergency Stent to Advocacy
Sabathia pitched for 19 seasons, including 11 with the Yankees. His heart emergency came in November 2018, during the final season of his major league career. He underwent emergency angioplasty, a procedure that opens a narrowed artery; the report says a stent was placed.
The Yankee Stadium appearance took place the day before the team honored his No. 52 in Monument Park. Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who has also had heart conditions dating back to childhood and his playing years, joined him. Boone said he prioritizes heart health through diet, exercise, sleep and responsible choices about sweets.
Sabathia’s comments also fit a wider sports focus on recovery and wellness. Athletech News cited NFL partnerships with Hyperice and Whoop and the NBPA’s addition of a preferred virtual care provider. Those examples provide industry context; the report does not say they were caused by Sabathia’s advocacy.
“I could have passed away at 38 years old from a massive heart attack.”
— CC Sabathia
What Sabathia Has Not Detailed
The report does not provide Sabathia’s current LDL-C reading, the timing of any recent test, or details of his ongoing medical care. It also does not specify how the nine MLB franchises in Playing with Heart deliver the program or measure its reach. Sabathia’s personal account and diet changes should not be taken as a substitute for individual medical advice; the source does not claim that his approach is appropriate for everyone.
The Campaign’s Ongoing Reach
Sabathia’s remarks were part of the Playing with Heart awareness effort, which the report describes as involving nine MLB franchises. The article does not give dates for additional events or say which teams will take part next. The next documented milestone in the account was the Yankees’ Monument Park ceremony retiring his No. 52, held the Friday after his Yankee Stadium remarks.
Key Questions
What happened to CC Sabathia in 2018?
In November 2018, Sabathia woke up vomiting and thought he might be having a heart attack. Doctors found a 90% blockage in an artery leading to his heart, and he underwent emergency angioplasty with a stent, according to his account in Athletech News.
What does Sabathia mean by “know your number”?
He was referring to LDL-C, often called bad cholesterol. Sabathia urged people to check with a doctor and understand their own health information.
What changes did Sabathia make to his diet?
Sabathia said his diet is now mainly Mediterranean and described the change as his largest step toward improving his LDL-C. He also said he lost weight and continues lifting and doing cardio at his own pace.
What is Playing with Heart?
Athletech News describes Playing with Heart as a cholesterol-awareness program involving Merck, WomenHeart and nine MLB franchises. Its stated focus includes awareness of LDL cholesterol and monitoring heart health.
Source: rss
Evergreen bestsellers Picks
bestsellers
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
