Sam Champion Adopted New Habits After Heart Procedure
Following the placement of two heart stents, the television personality overhauled his diet and exercise routine.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Sam Champion recently shared his health journey after undergoing a procedure to place two stents in his arteries, which were found to be 80 percent blocked. To support his recovery and long-term heart health at age 65, he has adopted a new lifestyle centered on walking and swimming.
Why it matters
A heart health emergency often serves as a pivotal moment for individuals to reassess their daily habits and cardiovascular risk. Adopting consistent lifestyle changes, such as modifying one's diet and incorporating regular aerobic activity, can be critical for managing arterial health.
A nuclear stress test conducted in March 2026 prompted a cardiac procedure at Mount Sinai in April 2026. Surgeons identified and treated 80 percent blockage in his arteries through the placement of two stents.
The players
Sam Champion
A television personality who has been vocal about his experiences with skin cancer and recent cardiac health interventions.
Mount Sinai
A medical system known for its expertise in cardiology and the performance of complex heart procedures.
The details
The procedure involved placing stents, which are small, expandable mesh tubes used to open narrowed or blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the heart muscle. By alleviating these significant blockages, the intervention aims to reduce the risk of further cardiac events. Following this surgical intervention, his wellness routine focuses on managing cardiovascular health through a combination of dietary adjustments and physical activity, specifically walking and swimming.
Timeline
At age 26, he received an initial diagnosis of skin cancer.
In October 2024, he underwent treatment for basal cell carcinoma.
In March 2026, he completed a nuclear stress test.
In April 2026, he received two heart stents at Mount Sinai.
On October 1, 2026, he shared an update regarding his health changes.
Health Landscape
This approach aligns with established standards of cardiac rehabilitation, which emphasize that lifestyle modifications are essential alongside procedural interventions. It reflects a broader trend of patients proactively managing cardiovascular disease risk factors through long-term habit changes.
If you are concerned about your own cardiovascular health, prioritize a conversation with your physician about whether a stress test is appropriate based on your risk factors. Maintaining a consistent routine of aerobic activities like swimming or walking can be an effective way to support heart health.
The takeaway
Focusing on sustainable habits such as regular aerobic exercise is a cornerstone of recovery after a cardiac event. If you have been diagnosed with arterial blockage, discuss which physical activities are safest for your current health status with your cardiologist.
Further reading
For more information on managing cardiovascular conditions, see our Heart Disease section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HELLO!.
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