Susan Lucci: Thriving After Two Near-Fatal Heart Scares
Susan Lucci, best known as Erica Kane on All My Children, turned two major heart emergencies into a mission to raise awareness about women’s heart health.
2018 Heart Scare: The “Widowmaker”
Despite a healthy lifestyle, Lucci experienced chest pressure and rib discomfort in 2018. Initially dismissing the symptoms, she later discovered a 90% blockage in her main artery and 75% in another. Doctors rushed her into surgery, inserting two stents. The cause: hereditary calcium buildup.
2022: A Second Emergency
In early 2022, Lucci felt shortness of breath and jaw pain—classic heart symptoms. She nearly ignored them again but sought help just in time. Doctors found an 80% blockage in a different artery and inserted a third stent, this time caused by cholesterol.
Heart Health Advocate
After her experiences, Lucci became a national ambassador for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign. Her message to women:
“Put yourself on your to-do list. Listen to your body. Act fast if something feels off.”
Personal Life
Tragedy struck just months after her 2022 procedure when her husband of 53 years, Helmut Huber, passed away. Lucci, now 78, continues to focus on wellness through Pilates and a Mediterranean diet.
New Memoir Coming
Lucci recently announced a new memoir, “La Lucci,” set to release on Feb 3, 2026—15 years after her first book. She calls it an “intimate glimpse” into untold stories from her life.
Career & Public Appearances
She remains active in entertainment, recently starring in My First Ex-Husband off-Broadway and appearing at heart health events. Fans continue to admire her ageless beauty and resilience—especially after she went blonde and stunned in a floral dress at a wedding.
Aging Gracefully
Lucci embraces aging with optimism. Inspired by her mother, who lived to 104, she says, “Don’t let the number define you.”
A Final Reminder
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, and symptoms can be subtle. Lucci’s message is clear: Know the signs. Take action. Your life could depend on it.