Scott Daley, a 45-year-old fitness enthusiast, never expected a mild tingling sensation during a soccer game to be a sign of something much more serious. As a Vice President at Reebok, he was used to staying active and healthy. He worked out five days a week, played soccer, and utilized Reebok’s fitness facilities in Boston. However, his family’s history of heart issues made him aware that he could one day face the same health struggles.
After the tingling in his arm persisted, Scott decided to get checked by his doctor, knowing it might be linked to his heart. His father had suffered a heart attack at 40, which led to emergency surgery, and his uncle had died from a heart attack at a similar age.
Despite his active lifestyle, Scott’s family history was a constant concern. His doctor, who had treated his father and brother for heart issues, immediately conducted tests. The results were alarming—a significant blockage in Scott’s left anterior descending artery, which could have led to a fatal heart attack if left untreated. On December 31, 2020, Scott underwent a quadruple bypass surgery to clear the blockage and restore healthy blood flow to his heart.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott’s family couldn’t visit him in the hospital for the two-and-a-half-week recovery period, making it an emotionally difficult time for his wife, Brooke. But his surgeon reassured her that Scott’s heart was “pumping better than ever.”
While Scott’s family history played a significant role in his heart issues, his high-stress job and increased wine consumption during the pandemic didn’t help. Since the surgery, Scott has made significant changes to his lifestyle, focusing on managing stress and prioritizing sleep. He walks 8 miles daily, bikes, and continues playing soccer. He also eats more fruits and vegetables, cuts back on red meat, and keeps regular appointments with his cardiologist.
Scott has also become a passionate advocate for heart health, chairing the American Heart Association’s Boston Heart Walk in 2024 and helping Reebok launch a campaign to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
Though in a better place now, Scott remains mindful of his family history. His 12-year-old son, who watched his father undergo heart surgery, has expressed anxiety about his own health risks. But Scott’s family ensures that they stay proactive with check-ups and conversations about heart health, ensuring that any future issues will be caught early, just like they were with Scott.
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