Doctor Warrick
It’s not every day you have a conversation that might just save a life.
Last year, I had the pleasure of joining Chris Henry on The Art 2 Aging podcast. We talked about something I’m deeply passionate about—preventative cardiology. As a specialist in heart health, especially as it pertains to older adults, I’ve spent much of my career advocating for a simple truth: you can’t treat what you can’t see.
That’s why my mantra has always been: image, image, image.
Far too often, people—particularly those who feel "fine"—carry silent heart disease. They eat well, exercise, and stay active, but calcium doesn’t care about how good you feel. It just builds, quietly, until one day, it doesn’t stay quiet anymore.
So, when Chris asked me about heart health for older adults, I emphasized the importance of getting a CT calcium score. It’s a quick, non-invasive scan that provides a snapshot of calcified plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. For many, it’s the earliest red flag—and often the only one—before a heart event strikes.
I didn’t know at the time that Chris would actually follow through and get that scan.
Months later, I received word that Chris had done just that. That scan—triggered by a conversation we had on a podcast—revealed some troubling blockages. His cardiologist wisely followed up with an angiogram, which showed the full extent of the issue: all four major arteries were dangerously blocked.
Let that sink in: Chris had no symptoms. No chest pain, no shortness of breath that couldn't be explained away. He was climbing stairs for exercise. And yet, he was a ticking time bomb.
Chris underwent quadruple bypass surgery the very next day.
As a cardiologist, it’s humbling to know that what began as a simple discussion turned into a life-saving turning point. I’m incredibly grateful Chris took the advice seriously, acted proactively, and got the right imaging. His story is a powerful reminder of why early detection and preventative heart care matter so much.
Now, Chris is back home and on the road to recovery. The team at The Art 2 Aging may be on pause while he rebuilds his strength, but his story continues to echo—loudly—as a testament to proactive health choices and the power of simply asking, "Could something be going on that I don’t know about?"
Chris, thank you for being open about your journey. And to everyone reading this—don’t wait for symptoms. Image, image, image.
How Healthy is Your Heart? https://virtualheartcheck.com.au/index
