During seven seasons as an NBA center in the late '80s and early '90s, Stuart Gray played against Julius Erving (Dr. J), Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, Patrick Ewing and Michael Jordan. These court legends were tough opponents, but not nearly as tough as atrial fibrillation, which Stuart has been fighting for several years.

After retirement Stuart - who is 7 feet tall - worked out regularly and maintained a healthy lifestyle. But professional sports took a physical toll. He's had four knee surgeries and four foot surgeries. And in 2004 he had decompression surgery on his back. Recovery was long, painful and arduous.

"My workout regimen went out the window and it became easier to relax and eat ... really eat," said Stuart, who was the face of the AHA's Central Kentucky Heart Walk on April 23. "Over 18 months, I gained about 100 pounds."

He began to experience heart palpitations, shortness of breath and dizziness. At 42, he underwent his first cardioversion, a procedure that shocks the heart into a normal rhythm. Ten more of these procedures would follow in the next several years. Then he underwent two cardiac cryoablation procedures.
Now 48, Stuart says he's feeling better, losing weight and working out with a trainer.

"I am grateful to be alive and have met so many wonderful, compassionate people who work in the cardiac units and have been so instrumental to my recovery and care," Stuart said.

Read Stuart's story, in his words, at the AHA's Central Kentucky Heart Walk page.