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5 Shocking Health Revelations: The Disease That Nearly Took Ray Romano's Life

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The beloved comedian and actor Ray Romano, best known for his role as Ray Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond, has recently been exceptionally candid about a serious, life-threatening health condition that he had been managing—or, perhaps, neglecting—for two decades. As of December 22, 2025, the primary focus of the actor's health journey is a severe cardiovascular condition that required immediate medical intervention, a situation he has described as a "widowmaker" scare. This revelation has shocked fans and highlighted the silent, dangerous nature of high cholesterol and coronary artery disease, even for someone in the public eye.

The health crisis, which the 67-year-old star openly discussed on a major podcast, involved a discovery of a 90% blockage in his main coronary artery, a condition that put him at imminent risk of a massive heart attack. Romano's story is a stark warning about ignoring doctor's advice on chronic conditions like high cholesterol. He ultimately underwent a procedure to have a stent placed, a critical intervention that saved his life and has completely reshaped his approach to diet, exercise, and overall wellness.

Complete Biography Profile of Ray Romano

Raymond Albert Romano is one of the most recognizable and successful comedians and actors of his generation, transitioning from a stand-up comedy background to a television sitcom icon and a respected dramatic actor.

  • Full Name: Raymond Albert Romano
  • Date of Birth: December 21, 1957
  • Age (as of 2025): 67
  • Place of Birth: Queens, New York, U.S.
  • Nationality: American
  • Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer, Director
  • Spouse: Anna Scarpulla (m. 1987)
  • Children: Alexandra, Matthew, Gregory, Joseph (four children)
  • Siblings: Richard Romano, Robert Romano, and Tony Romano (a sergeant in the NYPD, who inspired the character Robert Barone)
  • Breakthrough Role: Ray Barone in the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)
  • Notable Film Roles: Voice of Manny in the Ice Age film franchise, The Big Sick, The Irishman, Paddleton, and Somewhere in Queens (which he also directed and co-wrote)
  • Notable TV Roles: Ray Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond, Hank Rizzoli in Parenthood, and Zak Yankovich in Vinyl
  • Awards & Honors: Four Primetime Emmy Awards, including one for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
  • Recent Health Focus: Cardiovascular disease (due to high cholesterol), requiring a heart stent procedure.

The "Widowmaker" Scare: Ray Romano's Cardiovascular Crisis

The disease that Ray Romano was diagnosed with and treated for is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), a direct result of decades of unmanaged high cholesterol, a condition known medically as hypercholesterolemia.

For over 20 years, Romano struggled with elevated cholesterol levels. He admitted that his doctor had repeatedly recommended medication, specifically statins, but he consistently declined. Like many people, he preferred to try and control his cholesterol through diet and exercise alone, a strategy that ultimately proved insufficient for his body's chemistry.

The Discovery of a 90% Blockage

The turning point came when Romano was experiencing persistent, unexplained fatigue and shortness of breath. This prompted further testing, which led to the alarming discovery that his left anterior descending (LAD) artery—the main artery supplying blood to the heart—was 90% blocked. This specific type of severe blockage is often referred to by cardiologists and the public as a "widowmaker," because a complete blockage in this artery usually results in a massive, fatal heart attack.

Romano was, in his own words, "lucky" to have found the blockage before experiencing a full-blown heart attack. The procedure he underwent was an angioplasty, where doctors inserted a small balloon to open the blocked artery and then placed a stent—a tiny mesh tube—to keep the artery open permanently, restoring proper blood flow.

This critical medical event serves as a powerful reminder of the hereditary and lifestyle factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally. His openness has brought significant public attention to the importance of proactive heart health screenings and adhering to medical advice, even when feeling generally well.

Beyond the Stent: Cholesterol, Pre-Diabetes, and New Health Regimen

While the immediate crisis was resolved with the stent procedure, the health revelations for Ray Romano did not end there. His experience has led to a much broader and more aggressive approach to managing his health, including tackling two other significant chronic conditions: pre-diabetes and the long-term management of his cholesterol.

The New Pre-Diabetes Diagnosis

In the wake of his heart procedure, Romano revealed that while his cholesterol levels are now under control, he has also been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. This diagnosis is closely linked to cardiovascular health, as high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The comedian's honesty about this secondary diagnosis underscores the interconnectedness of various chronic diseases. High cholesterol, obesity, and pre-diabetes are all components of what is often called metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that dramatically raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.

A Complete Lifestyle Overhaul

Following the near-fatal scare, Romano has completely transformed his lifestyle. His regimen now includes:

  • Statin Medication: He is now compliant with taking the prescribed statin medication to aggressively lower his LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
  • Dietary Changes: A focus on a heart-healthy diet, significantly reducing saturated fats and sugars to manage both his cholesterol and pre-diabetic status.
  • Exercise: A more consistent and rigorous exercise routine to improve his cardiovascular fitness and manage his weight.

He has also spoken about the emotional and psychological toll of the experience, emphasizing the importance of mental health alongside physical recovery. The fear of a "widowmaker" heart attack has served as a permanent motivator for him to prioritize his well-being over everything else.

Romano's Support for Macular Degeneration Research

While Ray Romano’s personal health battle centers on heart disease, he has also been a prominent figure in raising awareness and funds for another significant health issue: macular degeneration. Along with his friend and fellow actor Kevin James, Romano has hosted a charity golf classic for years, with proceeds going to The Scripps Research Institute for research into vision diseases. The funds are specifically directed toward research on stem cells for conditions like macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, showcasing his commitment to health advocacy beyond his own diagnosis.

This philanthropic work demonstrates his broader interest in supporting medical research, even though he does not personally suffer from macular degeneration. It highlights how celebrities often use their platform to shine a light on various serious diseases affecting the public.

The Lasting Impact of Ray Romano's Health Journey

Ray Romano’s candid discussion about his health—from his high cholesterol denial to his life-saving stent procedure and subsequent pre-diabetes diagnosis—has resonated deeply with his audience. His story is a powerful public service announcement that encourages men, especially those over 50, to take high cholesterol and other silent chronic conditions seriously. It underscores the fact that high-profile celebrities are not immune to common, yet deadly, diseases like Coronary Artery Disease.

Today, the star of Everybody Loves Raymond and Somewhere in Queens is healthy, active, and focused on maintaining his new regimen. His experience has added a layer of profound, personal vulnerability to his public persona, transforming him from just a comedian into a relatable figure who triumphed over a significant health crisis.

what disease does ray romano have
what disease does ray romano have

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