Sports
Ricardo Prado on His Heart Attack at 38 and Recovery
The Olympic medalist reflects on his cardiac scare in the US, emergency surgery, and current health routine.
In an interview on Natação Stemma, Ricardo Prado shared the story of suffering a heart attack at age 38 during a trip to the United States. The former swimmer explained how doctors discovered severely blocked arteries, the surgery that followed, and how he rebuilt his training habits and health routine.
Even for those who built a winning career in elite sports, the heart demands constant vigilance. During an appearance on the show Natação Stemma, Olympic medalist Ricardo Prado recalled one of the most delicate moments of his life: the heart attack he suffered at age 38 while vacationing in Dallas, Texas, where he had lived during his college years.
The episode began with a subtle discomfort following a one-hour stationary bike workout at the gym. The following night, the strange sensation returned along with insomnia. Lacking the classic symptoms of sharp pain, Prado waited until early morning to go to the emergency room. Although his initial electrocardiogram showed no abnormalities, blood tests confirmed a heart attack. He remained hospitalized for two days to receive a stent and had to wait a week before being cleared to fly back to Brazil.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
The diagnosis at InCor and surgery
Back in São Paulo, where he was working as a coach at the Hebraica club at the time, Prado sought medical evaluation on the advice of cardiologist Dr. Sérgio Tim. New tests conducted at the Heart Institute (InCor) revealed an even more critical condition: beyond the artery that had already received a stent, a second vessel showed an 85% blockage and a third was 90% blocked.
Given the severity of the situation, surgery was recommended immediately. The operation took place just days after the diagnosis, removing the imminent risk of further severe coronary events. According to Prado, his history as a high-performance athlete was crucial to enduring the condition without extreme complications, as it had fostered collateral circulation that helped protect his heart muscle.
Maintenance routine and physical activity
Since the intervention, the medalist has maintained a rigorous preventive care protocol, undergoing cardiac evaluations and stress tests twice a year, alongside ongoing maintenance medication. His approach to training also took on new priorities, focusing on longevity and overall well-being.
After periods away from the pool—including during the Rio 2016 Olympic cycle, when he worked in sports administration—Ricardo Prado resumed a regular routine, swimming three to four times a week and working out at the gym while moderating intensity to avoid strain. The former athlete also highlighted the influence of his sister, Denise Prado, a swimming pioneer in the family who remains active in open water as a role model of athletic dedication.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
