03/24/2026
Gasping for air, James Young II sought help at a hospital in his native Detroit. He was 40 and weighed nearly 300 pounds. He smoked, drank heavily, ate mostly fast food and hadn’t exercised in years. A cardiologist told him he was a “walking stroke waiting to happen.”
He was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure and alcoholic cardiomyopathy. His heart was pumping so poorly that his cardiologist said he would need a defibrillator implanted in his chest to keep him from dying of cardiac arrest.
James promised instead he’d make major changes to his daily habits. The cardiologist gave him six months to prove it.
James swapped out soda for water. He started cooking at home, loading his plates with vegetables. He stopped drinking and started visiting the local high school track. The first day, he walked a quarter of a lap. Every day, he walked a bit farther, slowly at first before working up to speed walking then jogging. Other walkers and joggers became his cheering squad.
Six months into his new regimen, James saw the cardiologist again. The doctor said he could continue with his new diet and exercise – no defibrillator needed. His primary care physician was so impressed that she encouraged him to share his story to inspire others.
James began volunteering with the American Heart Association. He spoke at public events and served as a patient representative on grant review committees. He returned to school and earned a master’s in public health, focusing on heart health. He now works as a clinical research coordinator, overseeing participants in two hypertension studies.
Now 54, James’ heart function continues to improve. He goes to the gym at least three times a week. He’s become an avid cyclist and still loads his meals with vegetables. When people marvel at his commitment, he tells them how he was motivated by “the fear that I was going to die.”
“I actually understood that I was literally killing myself,” he said.
James continues sharing his story to inspire others, especially anyone who might shy away from doctors and shun healthy food.
“You can rewrite your diagnosis."
Read James' Story From the Heart: http://spr.ly/6183B6RCYF
