After surviving a "widowmaker" heart attack, Susan Lucci, 77, maintains a consistent diet of three foods.

Erica Kane, the 'All My Children' alum, is a representative for the American Heart Association.

After surviving a "widowmaker" heart attack, Susan Lucci, 77, maintains a consistent diet of three foods.
After surviving a "widowmaker" heart attack, Susan Lucci, 77, maintains a consistent diet of three foods.

There are three foods Susan Lucci eats every day.

The "All My Children" actress revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that she always keeps certain ingredients in her fridge.

"The actress stated that her clean diet consists of salmon, blueberries, and kale. Her doctor advised her to continue with her current lifestyle because there would be positive outcomes."

A close-up of Susan Lucci in a red dress
Susan Lucci told Planet Chronicle Digital there are three foods she can't live without. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for AHA)

The American Heart Association ambassador, who is 77 years old, adheres to the Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by an abundance of fresh produce, fish, and other nutritious foods.

My friend introduced me to superfoods through a book she gave me. She looked great eating that way, so I started educating myself on it. As I learned more, I realized that's how I ate too. While I do indulge in pasta and carbs occasionally, I love them. The key is moderation.

"Lucci stated, "I strive to limit my intake of foods high in cholesterol, even though I enjoy cheese and ice cream. Moderation is key. I generally steer clear of foods that can contribute to cholesterol buildup. My husband, an executive chef trained in Europe, would often cook for me, and I would indulge in everything he prepared. However, this eventually led to an increase in my cholesterol levels. It's not about following the latest trends; it's about taking care of your health and being the best version of yourself.""

Susan Lucci wearing a strapless red dress
Susan Lucci attends the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert 2024 at Jazz at Lincoln Center Jan. 31, 2024, in New York City.  (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for The American Heart Associations Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert)

For 27 years, Lucci has adhered to a strict workout routine.

The star stated that they practice Pilates daily, with the time varying depending on their schedule and early morning routine. They aim to do Pilates at least five days a week, sometimes six, to challenge their muscles differently. They incorporate weights and a Pilates chair into their routine for added cardio. While everyone's needs are different, this is what works for them. They perform 30 reps each time.

"Pilates may appear simple, but it demands a significant amount of strength," she remarked. "My longtime friend, who is also my trainer, often expresses skepticism about Pilates. Her husband, who is a fitness enthusiast, would frequently observe us and say, 'What are you doing?' He believed that Pilates was too easy and would not provide any benefits. However, I believe there is value in it."

Susan Lucci wearing a hot pink dress
Susan Lucci does Pilates five to six days a week. (Amy Sussman)

In 2018, Lucci suffered cardiac trauma and experienced intense chest pains, which she initially dismissed.

"In October, my husband and I were waiting to be seated at a restaurant when I felt a mild pressure on my chest, which I had never experienced before. I thought it was because of the holiday season and the stress of buying presents. I ignored it, as many women do."

The same incident occurred a couple of weeks later at a different restaurant.

Susan Lucci wearing a strapless silver dress being admired by her husband in a suit
Susan Lucci with her husband, Helmut Huber. They were married from 1969 until his death in 2022. He was 84. (Theo Wargo)

"Lucci said, "I felt a pressure on my chest that radiated around my rib cage to my back. I had never experienced that before. I didn't have any medical issues, so I thought it was my bra being too tight. I checked at home and it wasn't. The pressure stopped.""

A week after shopping for her friend at a boutique, Lucci experienced a sudden sharp pressure on her chest. She couldn't ignore it any longer.

Lucci recounted a story he read many years ago about a woman describing her symptoms of a heart attack, including the feeling of an elephant pressing on her chest. This is what Lucci was experiencing.

Susan Lucci walking the runway in a red dress
Susan Lucci initially ignored the symptoms she was experiencing, including pressure on her chest that eventually intensified. (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for AHA)

"Lucci said, "I sat on a bench in the boutique and the manager asked if I was okay. She knew I wasn't okay and offered to take me to the hospital in her car, which was faster than an ambulance could arrive. I didn't have a cardiologist and never knew I needed one.""

Lucci's medical team discovered a 90% blockage in her main artery to her heart through a scan. Had she not acted on her symptoms, she would have died from a fatal heart attack known as "the widowmaker." Lucci could have gone to bed that evening and not woken up. Doctors inserted two stents to clear the blockage.

Lucci learned her condition was hereditary from her father’s side.

Susan Lucci being embraced by an actor on the beach as she plays Erica Kane
Susan Lucci played Erica Kane in "All My Children" from 1970 to 2011. (ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content)

I was completely taken aback," she stated. "I didn't experience any pain; it was just pressure. Everyone was astonished. Given my lifestyle, you'd think this wouldn't happen. But it did. And, in my case, it was due to family history. At the time, my mother was 100 years old. We all assumed I inherited her genes, like her, I never had any health problems. However, it was discovered that I had my father's genes. I was unaware. ... It's crucial to comprehend your family's medical history.

"I was told by the doctor, 'You should continue what you're doing because it's hereditary. It's been passed down from your family history.'"

Later on, Lucci experienced a severe pain in her jaw. Without hesitation, she contacted her cardiologist and underwent another stent insertion that very evening.

"Lucci confessed, "I felt ashamed because I was telling women to be aware of their symptoms while I was slipping back into my old behavior and not believing it was significant. However, I learned that jaw pain can also be a symptom for women. I'm grateful for being mindful.""

Susan Lucci wearing an orange dress and holding an Emmy
Susan Lucci poses with a Lifetime Achievement Award in the press room during the 50th Daytime Emmy Awards at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in Los Angeles Dec. 15, 2023.  (Frazer Harrison)

Lucci received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in December. The award was presented by Shemar Moore, who also presented Lucci her first Daytime Emmy in 1999 after 19 nominations dating back to 1978.

"I now have two Emmys, which I keep on top of a chest of drawers in my bedroom," Lucci boasted. "When I won the first Emmy, I couldn't believe it, but I kept it hidden from the rest of the house. I didn't want my children to see me as just an actress, but as their mother. So, I kept it out of sight. However, now that I have two Emmys, I'm proud to display them on the main floor of the house for all to see."

Lucci vowed to keep spreading the word about women's heart health in order to potentially save a life.

Susan Lucci wearing a strappy lace black dress
Today, Susan Lucci hopes her story will help save a life. (Nina Westervelt/Variety )

"My message for women is to prioritize self-care and put yourself on your to-do list. We often neglect our own needs, but it's important to prioritize ourselves in order to thrive."

by Stephanie Nolasco

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