Steve Sax, known by many for his phenomenal 14 year career as a major league baseball player where he was a 5-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year and 2-time World Series champion, hosts his podcast with the familiarity and experience that comes from playing on such great teams as the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Oakland A’s. In addition, playing under such iconic coaches as Tony LaRussa and Tommy Lasorda, Steve gained invaluable life lessons through sports. After his playing career he found success not only as a coach and broadcaster but also as a financial consultant, author, motivational speaker and executive/life coach. You’ll find “Sax in the Morning” shorts, weekly, that will focus on the motivation necessary to get your game plan for the day set with the right tone to accomplish those goals you have for success. Let each episode start your day with the right mindset, and help you make the shift to persevere through the challenges and to follow your emotional heart to reach your dreams.
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In this episode of Sax in the Morning, I share one of the most personal experiences of my life — my recent open-heart surgery and the diagnosis that changed everything.
Despite a lifetime of fitness and no symptoms, I discovered I had severe heart disease, including a 99% blockage in a critical artery. It was a wake-up call I never saw coming.
I’m joined by Dr. Kamal Kolappa, cardiologist and Senior Medical Officer at Alignment Health, who breaks down what happened, why it happened, and what every listener should understand about heart health today.
We talk about the reality of modern heart surgery, the importance of early detection, and how coordinated care — from insurance to hospital to recovery — can make all the difference in both outcomes and peace of mind.
This conversation is about more than my story. It’s about what you can do right now to protect your health — before it’s too late.
🔑 What We Cover:
- How someone can be 99% blocked with no symptoms
- The role of family history in heart disease risk
- When doctors choose bypass surgery vs. stents
- What open-heart surgery is really like today
- Why outcomes have improved 40–50% in the last 20 years
- The importance of cardiac rehab and recovery discipline
- How Alignment Health simplifies a complex healthcare journey
- The biggest warning signs people ignore
- What you can do today to prevent heart disease
💡 Key Takeaway:
Heart disease doesn’t always announce itself — but the right care, the right plan, and the right decisions can save your life.
To learn more about how Alignment Health my work for you visit: https://www.alignmenthealthplan.com/
Chapter Summaries
00:00 – Steve Sax’s Shocking Heart Diagnosis (No Symptoms)
02:45 – Family History & Hidden Risk of Heart Disease
06:30 – When Do You Need Heart Surgery vs. Stents?
10:30 – What Open-Heart Surgery Is Really Like Today
14:30 – Recovery, Cardiac Rehab & Returning to Normal Life
18:30 – How Alignment Health Simplifies the Care Process
22:00 – Warning Signs, Prevention & What You Should Do Now
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