Famous Faces of Heart Disease

Famous Faces of Heart Disease

Heart Disease and Fame

Even with access to top trainers, chefs, and medical care, celebrities can—and do—develop heart disease. Some risk factors are inherited, so a family history raises your chances, but lifestyle, weight, blood pressure, and other health factors also matter. Simple steps backed by the American Heart Association—regular exercise, quitting tobacco, moderating alcohol, and a heart-healthy diet—can lower risk and improve heart health.

This article profiles well-known people who have faced a range of conditions—from heart attack and valve disease to heart failure and transplant—and what their stories teach us about prevention and recovery. If you’re concerned about your own risk, take a quick risk checker or speak with your doctor to learn next steps.

Dick Cheney

Former Vice President Dick Cheney has one of the most well‑documented histories of heart disease among public figures. His cardiac problems began in his late 30s: he suffered his first heart attack at age 37 while a heavy smoker and went on to have multiple subsequent heart attacks over the years. Cheney has undergone several major procedures, including coronary bypass surgery and later implantation of a mechanical pump to support his failing heart. In 2012 he received a full heart transplant. Public reporting shows a long timeline of surgeries, treatments, and ongoing follow‑up care after the transplant; cite primary sources when republishing these medical details.

Larry King

Broadcast legend Larry King survived a heart attack that led to coronary bypass surgery in 1987. After his recovery he became an outspoken advocate for heart awareness: the American College of Cardiology later recognized his charitable work, and his Larry King Cardiac Foundation promoted exercise and heart-healthy habits. In 2011 the foundation partnered with the show So You Think You Can Dance to encourage movement as one way to improve heart health. A long-time smoker, King famously quit around the time of his heart attack and went on to manage other risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol under medical supervision—illustrating how treatment, lifestyle change, and regular doctor follow-up can reduce future risk.

Bill Clinton

The former president has undergone multiple procedures to treat blocked coronary arteries, including a well‑reported quadruple bypass surgery in 2004. After surgery he worked with medical teams and nutritionists to lose weight and improve heart health by shifting to a mostly plant‑based eating pattern centered on beans, legumes, vegetables, and fruit. Experts have noted that reducing red and processed meats—what some commentators have called avoiding “anything with a mother and a face”—can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, though individual dietary plans should be discussed with a doctor or dietitian. Clinton’s case underscores how surgery plus sustained lifestyle and medical follow‑up can change the course of heart disease.

David Letterman

David Letterman, whose father died young of a heart attack, underwent quintuple bypass surgery in 2000 after an angiogram revealed significant coronary blockages. The bypasses were performed to reroute blood flow and reduce his risk of another heart attack. Letterman recovered without major complications and returned to hosting duties about six weeks later. Long‑term management after bypass typically includes medication, cardiac rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes—steps Letterman and others have emphasized to help prevent future cardiac events.

Elizabeth Taylor

Actress Elizabeth Taylor was diagnosed with heart failure in 2004 and died in 2011 at age 79. Heart failure — a chronic condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs — affects millions of people in the United States; the CDC estimates about 5 million Americans are living with it. Taylor managed the condition for several years with medical care, but in later life her symptoms progressed and she used a wheelchair as her mobility and energy declined.

Common signs of heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the legs or abdomen, and reduced ability to exercise. Treatments can include medications, lifestyle changes (such as sodium reduction and monitored activity), device therapy, and when appropriate, advanced interventions under specialist care. If you or a loved one have symptoms or a diagnosed heart condition, talk with your doctor about management and resources for living with heart failure.

Toni Braxton

Singer Toni Braxton revealed in 2004 that she had high blood pressure and pericarditis, an inflammation of the membrane around the heart. Pericarditis can cause sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue; diagnosis and treatment depend on the underlying cause and severity. Braxton’s experience shows that heart conditions can affect people of many ages and body types, including otherwise fit celebrities.

She has spoken about managing the condition with medications (reports note use of beta-blockers), regular monitoring of blood pressure, and lifestyle adjustments — staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting sodium and unhealthy fats. If you have symptoms such as chest pain or persistent breathlessness, see a doctor promptly; routine checks and treatment can reduce complications and support long‑term heart health.

Barbara Walters

Although many people assume heart disease is mainly a man’s problem, Barbara Walters helped raise awareness that women are equally affected: in the U.S., the CDC reports that about the same number of women die of heart disease each year as men. In 2009 Walters went to doctors after feeling unusual chest pressure and was found to have a faulty aortic valve; she underwent open‑heart surgery to replace the valve and returned to work roughly four months later.

Valve disease is different from coronary artery disease — it affects the heart’s flaps that regulate blood flow. Symptoms can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, or fainting. Treatment options range from medication and monitoring to valve repair or replacement under surgical or catheter‑based approaches; recovery and follow‑up care with your doctors are critical. Walters’ experience underscores the importance of awareness and prompt evaluation of chest symptoms, especially for women who may be under‑recognized for heart disease.

Bret Michaels

Reality TV star and Poison frontman Bret Michaels discovered in 2010 that he had a hole in his heart known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) — a condition present in roughly 25 percent of the U.S. population, according to the American Heart Association. A PFO is a small opening between the heart’s upper chambers that sometimes allows clots to pass and cause neurologic events.

Michaels experienced a brain event afterward that has been described in reports as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or “mini‑stroke”; sourcing should confirm the precise medical characterization, since a hemorrhage and a TIA are different. Doctors attributed the warning event to his heart condition, and he underwent a procedure in 2011 to close the PFO. Treatment options for PFO‑related events commonly include closure devices or anticoagulation, alongside evaluation by cardiology and neurology teams to reduce future risk.

Robin Williams

Beloved comedian and actor Robin Williams underwent heart surgery in 2009 to replace his aortic valve, a procedure commonly done to correct a faulty valve that impairs blood flow. He had a family history of heart disease and at times struggled with substance use—factors that can contribute to overall cardiovascular risk. Williams later joined other public figures in conversations about heart health, appearing on Barbara Walters’ 2011 program that focused on these issues.

Williams died in 2014; subsequent medical examination revealed he had Lewy body dementia. When covering sensitive topics such as suicide and neurological illness, use respectful language and include resources for support. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact local mental health services or a suicide prevention hotline and speak with a doctor about both mental health and heart‑related symptoms. For readers interested in valve disease, discuss symptoms (shortness of breath, fatigue, chest discomfort) and follow up with cardiology for treatment options and long‑term care.

More information

As these celebrities show, heart disease can affect anyone — regardless of fame, age, or body type — and awareness is key to prevention and better outcomes. If you have a family history of heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess weight, or tobacco use, talk with your doctor about screening and a tailored prevention plan. Trusted sources like the American Heart Association and CDC offer reliable guidance on prevention and recovery.

• Move more: aim for regular aerobic activity (about 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise) to support heart health and weight control.
• Eat heart‑healthy: focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and limit sodium, processed foods, and unhealthy fats.
• Stop tobacco and limit alcohol: quitting smoking and moderating alcohol can rapidly reduce heart attack risk.
• Know the signs and get care: chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or persistent fatigue warrant prompt medical attention; follow prescribed treatments and cardiac rehabilitation after events like heart attacks or surgery.

Take action: consider a quick risk checklist with your doctor, ask about blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and explore local cardiac rehab or lifestyle‑medicine programs for support. If any of the stories above raise concerns about mental health or suicidal thoughts, reach out to local emergency services or a suicide prevention hotline immediately — help is available. For more on prevention, recovery, and treatment options (including valve care and post‑surgery follow‑up), visit the linked resources and speak with your healthcare team.