#SHOWBIZ: "I thought I was made of iron": Blackie Chen suffers heart attack from sleep deprivation
TAIPEI: Taiwanese actor and basketball personality Blackie Chen has opened up about his “brush with death” after suffering a heart attack on Sept 15, revealing that years of chronic sleep deprivation may have contributed to the medical emergency.
Taiwanese actor and basketball star Blackie Chen revealed on Instagram that a heart attack he suffered on September 15 may have been caused by years of chronic sleep deprivation. The 49-year-old was rushed from the intensive care unit to a general ward on September 17 and shared his harrowing experience on social media. Chen claimed he had initially attributed his chest pains to exhaustion before realizing the severity of his condition.
He was immediately evaluated in an emergency department where the ECG results raised red flags. Chen underwent a cardiac catheterization and had a stent inserted to unblock a completely clogged artery. His doctors diagnosed him with an acute myocardial infarction. Despite his regular exercise routine and avoidance of smoking or alcohol, Chen admitted to a major unhealthy habit: insufficient sleep.
He often slept only three to four hours per night due to his demanding schedule juggling work, family, and his role in founding the P. League+. His doctor emphasized that prolonged sleep deprivation can have severe consequences for cardiovascular health by raising blood pressure, causing inflammation, and disrupting the autonomic nervous system.
Chen urged others, particularly those over 40, to prioritize their health by getting adequate sleep and undergoing regular health screenings. He vowed to take better care of himself and vowed to return to the basketball court once he had fully recovered.
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