6 lessons from an Ironman athlete with a family history of heart disease

Robert “Skip” Culler is the model of health. A competitive swimmer and Ironman triathlete, he’s the last person you’d expect would have a heart issue. As his cardiologist Dr. Zan Tyson said, “Being fit doesn’t reverse your genetic history.” His family health history was the exact reason he established a relationship with Dr. Tyson.

When Skip started lagging during a full Ironman last November, he knew immediately that he needed to talk to his cardiologist. He soon found out he had 70% blockage in the largest coronary artery, but with his trust in his doctor and medical team at Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center, Skip wasn’t worried.