Bob Odenkirk, 63, Survived a Widowmaker Heart Attack—Why Women Should Know Their Risk
Plus get doctor-backed tips to help keep your heart healthy
Key Takeaways
- Bob Odenkirk, 63, survived a widowmaker heart attack in 2021 on the set of 'Better Call Saul.'
- A widowmaker heart attack has a 12% survival rate outside a hospital without immediate care.
- High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for women.
Bob Odenkirk’s new film Normal is making its debut this week, but before you head to the theaters, you might want to learn more about the 63-year-old co-writer and star. Specifically, how he overcame a widowmaker heart attack while filming the final season of Better Call Saul in Albuquerque, New Mexico. To learn more about his health journey and how to protect yourself against widowmaker heart attacks, keep scrolling.
Bob Odenkirk’s widowmaker heart attack was nearly fatal
In 2021, Odenkirk was on the set of the Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul, when he suddenly dropped to one knee. “I wasn’t breathing,” the actor told Radio Times in 2022. “I mean, if nobody had been there, if they didn’t do that CPR, I’d have been dead in a few minutes.”
In a separate interview with Conan O’Brien on his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Odenkirk further detailed the event, saying that he apparently turned gray during the incident, which worried out his costars Ray Campbell and Patrick Fabian. “It was during COVID shooting, so we were separate from the crew,” he said. “Luckily, I didn’t go to my trailer. If I’d gone to my trailer, I wouldn’t be here, because they don’t bother you [in the trailer].”
Woman's World Answers
Odenkirk was rushed to the hospital for treatment, a journey he described as a complete “blank.”
“I’m leaving the hospital in a week later. That’s my first memory is talking to the doctor at my exit interview,” the actor explained. “So I was there for a week [and] I don’t have any memory of any of the hospitals at all.”
What is a widowmaker heart attack?
According to Cleveland Clinic, a widowmaker heart attack happens when someone has a blockage in the biggest artery in their heart. This means that blood flow can’t move through the left anterior descending artery, which provides about 50 percent of the heart muscle’s blood supply. Currently, the survival rate for this type of massive heart attack is about 12 percent if it occurs outside of the hospital, but with immediate medical assistance, that number increases.
While the name may imply that it primarily affects men, this type of life-threatening heart attack is a danger to women too. In fact, “heart disease is currently the number one killer of women aged 50 years old,” reveals
Blen Tesfu, MD, a licensed physician and medical advisor at Welzo.“A widowmaker heart attack is considered a high-risk condition; however, it is still a relatively common occurrence.”
The problem: Many women experiencing this type of heart attack have a delay in diagnosis, oftentimes because their symptoms don’t fit the typical red flags doctors see in men. (Learn more about the sneaky symptoms of a heart attack women should never ignore. If you notice any of these warning signs, call 911 immediately)
Risk factors for a widowmaker heart attack
According to Dr. Tesfu, common risk factors for widowmaker heart attack in women include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- A history of smoking
Dr. Tesfu also adds that the drop in protective estrogen during menopause can increase the risk of developing heart disease.
“Women’s risks are also elevated by lifestyle choices, including inactivity and unhealthy eating habits,” she continues. “It is surprising how often apparently ‘healthy’ women will die from a widowmaker heart attack. While chronic stress, lack of good sleep and genetics all contribute to your risk for experiencing a widowmaker heart attack, these may not make you aware of the danger.”
Treatment options for a widowmaker heart attack
“Emergency intervention typically involves angioplasty or placement of a coronary artery stent or both,” Dr. Tesfu explains. Depending upon the nature of the blockage and other factors, coronary artery bypass grafting may also be necessary, she adds.
She also notes that following the initial emergency phase, widowmaker heart attack survivors will face “long-term pharmacologic therapy aimed at improving overall cardiovascular health and preventing further ischemic episodes.”
“Many patients are encouraged to participate in cardiac rehabilitation after [a heart attack],” she explains. “Cardiac rehabilitation allows patients to recover physically while developing healthy lifestyle habits that will help them manage their risk of future ischemic episodes.”
How to prevent a widowmaker heart attack like Bob Odenkirk had
To prevent widowmaker heart attacks, Dr. Tesfu advises getting your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels checked regularly.
“Additionally, women should pay attention to unusual symptoms that may indicate a potential problem with their heart and get medical advice right away,” she continues. “It is also important for women to avoid smoking and manage stress. Consistently making healthy choices can dramatically reduce the risk of serious heart problems.”
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