Legendary CNN broadcaster Larry King experienced his first heart attack in 1987. Rather than stay silent, he went public and used his massive platform to advocate for heart health. The experience was so significant that he founded the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, which has helped provide cardiac care to uninsured and underinsured Americans.
King continued to have heart events throughout his career — he reportedly survived seven heart attacks in total. He attributed much of his cardiac history to decades of heavy smoking and a diet that he acknowledged was far from healthy.
His openness about his cardiac history was unusual for its era and helped normalize conversations about heart disease, bypass surgery, and preventive cardiac care. Through the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, he funded surgeries and cardiac procedures for hundreds of people who could not afford care.
King's legacy in heart health advocacy extends far beyond his broadcasting career. His willingness to discuss his own failures and near-misses with death gave his message authenticity that made it resonate with audiences.