Barry Sanders is opening up this June, aiming to inspire fans in a fresh way.
Last year, the Hall of Fame announced that he faced “mind-related health horrors.” Recently, in a CBS interview, he revealed that he experienced a heart attack during a recruitment visit for his son.
Sanders will delve deeper into his past year in his upcoming documentary titled “The Marking of a Heart Attack,” set to air on A&E on June 14th at 1 PM.
“Honestly, I couldn’t believe it,” Sanders recounted during the CBS interview for the documentary. “Initially, I thought it was heartburn, but it just lingered.”
On that June morning, Sanders felt a burning sensation in his chest. After leaving the recruitment visit early, the Lions legend rushed to the emergency room, where tests indicated that his enzyme levels were alarmingly high.
This led to the discovery that he had undergone a heart catheterization and suffered a heart attack.
“I’m not really sure why this happened. We learn that there aren’t always warning signs. What we advocate for is seeing a doctor and testing for LDL cholesterol levels. It’s the only way to find out if you have high cholesterol; it’s not something you can intuitively feel,” he explained.
In the documentary, Sanders aims to encourage others to prioritize their health.
Alongside four individuals who have also experienced a heart attack or stroke, Sanders sheds light on hidden risks and warning signs in the documentary.
As Sanders continues his journey, he emphasizes the importance of mental health, noting that everyone’s experiences are unique. He pointed out that his health has improved thanks to increased physical activity and dietary changes since starting medication.
“Sometimes it’s genetic, and you’re not necessarily doing anything wrong,” Sanders noted. “There are countless stories out there, which is why it’s crucial for people to communicate with their doctors.”
“It really boils down to education. I’ve learned just how prevalent this issue is in the U.S. We have an insightful and fascinating narrative throughout this journey, featuring conversations with others involved in the documentary. I think it’s going to resonate with many people,” he added.
