Watch CBS News

Rybak Talks About Life After Suffering A Heart Attack

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Just days after leaving the office as Minneapolis mayor for 12 years, R.T. Rybak suffered a life-threatening heart attack while skiing on a weekend afternoon at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis back in January.

Thousands have followed his recovery through his often light-hearted and humorous Twitter account. Rybak said he actually feels better now, health-wise, than before he had his heart attack.

Stents were put in his heart, which he said now gives him more energy. He said his heart attack was due to genetics and not his health. His father died at the age Rybak is now due to a pair of heart attacks and a stroke. Rybak said he has zero heart damage because of his current lifestyle.

"I'm going to lead a great, wonderful life because I'm staying healthy," Rybak said.

Rybak has a new job as a chief executive with Generation Next, an organization that aims to close the achievement gap.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.