Two CrossFit athletes share their harrowing experiences with heart attacks that occurred during or shortly after CrossFit workouts, revealing how cardiac events don't always present with typical symptoms. Scott Rossen and Mike McKinney offer raw, emotional accounts of their journeys from initial symptoms through hospitalization to their ongoing recovery processes.
• Scott experienced shortness of breath rather than chest pain during CrossFit Open workout 25.3
• Mike felt persistent chest "discomfort" after workouts, not recognizing it as a heart attack
• Both men learned they had family histories of heart disease they hadn't fully appreciated
• Scott flatlined for 30 seconds during treatment, while Mike had "over a 50% chance" of dying
• The recovery process involves not just physical rehabilitation but significant emotional processing
• Both athletes have modified their approaches to fitness, focusing more on sustainability than intensity
• Scott now works closely with a nutritionist to support his heart health
• Mike has had to say farewell to competitive CrossFit but continues regular workouts with modifications
• Both emphasize how the CrossFit community supported them through their recoveries
• Their experiences highlight the importance of not ignoring unusual symptoms during or after exercise