February is American Heart Month, and one Brooklyn man and the doctor who helped save his life reflect on the near-death experience.

Ken Rich is a full-time musician, producer, and heart attack survivor. Rich suffered what is referred to as a ‘widowmaker heart attack’ – it’s when the heart attack takes place in a key part of the heart called the LAD.

At NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital, the clot in Rich’s heart was blocking 100% of the flow. Thankfully, it was suctioned out and a stent was placed to keep it open. He has since fully recovered, but now has established coronary artery disease and requires medicine and regular check-ins.

"They've seen how hard I've worked to recover. The lesson being something bad happens you don't feel sorry for yourself, you control what you can. We're fighters,” said Rich.

His doctor, Dr. Razzouk, says Rich’s active lifestyle and healthy diet will help him control his life for years to come. He also recommends that people get cholesterol checks as a preventative maintenance.