Every time I stent and treat a 70+ year old with a heart attack, it further strengthens my belief that *functional status* is the ultimate predictor of lifespan and recovery from a big event (heart attack, stroke, major surgery etc etc).
Having a heart attack is one thing, but surviving it, walking out of the hospital, and not being debilitated from it is another entirely. If you are a 70 year old who has taken care of their body, exercise and move your body regularly, eat right, you've got a much better chance of surviving AND having a good quality of life, compared to a 70 year old who has not. Pays dividends.
It can be the difference between being awake and talking to me right after in the ICU, vs intubated on the vent, requiring intensive life support.
Can't stop the heart attack from happening (biology does whatever it wants), but you can give yourself a fighting shot to make it out. If you go into an event with a "healthy" and strong body, it can take a big hit and be OK.
Luck of course, is a big factor too.