He said: “I’d been feeling a bit rubbish for about two years. I’d get to the end of the working week and I’d basically be knackered. Instead of looking forward to doing stuff I’d be looking forward to having a rest.
“I used to get a tight chest if I went running, but it was only when it happened in bed I knew something was up. I thought I might have pulled something so I went to the doctors.
“I had tests and three days later he left a voice message saying I needed to get in touch.
“When he told me I was pretty shocked. I thought it couldn’t have been right.”
Robert, from Farnborough, Hants, now swims 1000m three times a week and goes dancing in a bid to stay healthy.
“I’m fitter now than I’ve ever been”, the semi-retired trader added.
“Younger people won’t necessarily think that heart problems are on their radar, so it’s important to get checked – especially if you find you are getting palpitations when you’re exercising, or struggling to improve your fitness levels when you do.”