The Silent Health Scare: What Disease Does Ray Romano Have Now?

The beloved star of Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano, has recently opened up about a major and life-altering health scare, revealing a diagnosis that came as a shocking wake-up call. As of December 2025, the primary focus of the actor’s health journey is a serious cardiovascular condition that required immediate medical intervention, alongside a secondary diagnosis that has forced him to completely re-evaluate his lifestyle. This revelation goes far beyond the typical celebrity health update, offering a candid look at a near-tragedy that could affect anyone, regardless of fame or fortune. The details, which he shared publicly, highlight the critical importance of proactive heart health and managing risk factors like high cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

The disease that Ray Romano was diagnosed with is a severe case of coronary artery disease, specifically a significant blockage in one of his main heart arteries, which doctors referred to as a potential "widowmaker" event. This was compounded by a diagnosis of pre-diabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes.

Ray Romano: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Raymond Albert Romano is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer, best known for his work in television and film. His career spans decades, marked by a relatable, self-deprecating humor that made him a household name.

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• Full Name: Raymond Albert Romano
• Date of Birth: December 21, 1957
• Place of Birth: Queens, New York, U.S.
• Profession: Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer, Director
• Spouse: Anna Scarpulla (m. 1989)
• Children: Alexandra, Matthew, Gregory, and Joseph
• Breakthrough Role: Raymond "Ray" Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)
• Major TV Roles:
  • Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)
  • Men of a Certain Age (2009–2011)
  • Parenthood (2012–2015)
  • Vinyl (2016)
  • Get Shorty (2017–2019)
• Major Film Roles (Voice/Live-Action):
  • Manny the Mammoth in the Ice Age film series (2002–2016)
  • The Big Sick (2017)
  • The Irishman (2019)
  • Somewhere in Queens (2023) (also directed and co-wrote)
• Awards: Multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, including one for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

The Alarming 'Widowmaker' Artery Blockage and Stent Procedure

The most critical health issue Ray Romano recently faced was a severe blockage in his left anterior descending (LAD) artery, often chillingly nicknamed the "widowmaker." This artery is crucial because it supplies a large amount of blood to the heart muscle, and a complete blockage can quickly cause a massive, fatal heart attack.

Romano’s doctor discovered that he had a shocking 90% blockage in this major artery. The discovery was a moment of profound luck, as the comedian had been experiencing symptoms that initially seemed minor but were actually warning signs.

The Life-Saving Medical Procedure: Stent Placement

To address the near-complete blockage, Romano underwent a common and minimally invasive procedure known as a coronary angioplasty with stent placement. This is not technically classified as open-heart surgery but rather a cardiac catheterization procedure. During the procedure:

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• A thin tube (catheter) is inserted, usually through a blood vessel in the groin or wrist.
• The catheter is guided to the blocked artery in the heart.
• A tiny balloon is inflated to compress the plaque and widen the artery (angioplasty).
• A small mesh tube, called a stent, is then permanently placed to keep the artery open, ensuring proper blood flow to the heart muscle.

The successful placement of the stent effectively averted what his doctor described as a "widowmaker" heart attack, a term that underscores the severity of his condition.

The Underlying Causes: High Cholesterol and Pre-Diabetes Diagnosis

Ray Romano’s health crisis was not an isolated event; it was the culmination of long-term, unmanaged risk factors. The primary culprit behind the arterial blockage was high cholesterol, a condition his doctor had been trying to treat more aggressively for some time. High levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol lead to the buildup of plaque within the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis, which eventually causes the blockages that lead to heart attacks and strokes.

The Struggle with Diet and the Pre-Diabetes Revelation

Romano admitted that maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle was a constant struggle, even after being advised to lower his cholesterol. He thought he had his health "under control," only for the severe blockage to be discovered. The health scare served as a severe wake-up call, prompting him to take his doctor’s advice more seriously.

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During the same period as his heart procedure, Romano was also diagnosed as pre-diabetic. This diagnosis is closely linked to cardiovascular health, as diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Pre-diabetes is a critical warning sign that requires immediate lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of full Type 2 diabetes.

• Key Risk Factors Revealed:
  • High Cholesterol: The direct cause of the arterial plaque buildup.
  • Pre-Diabetes: A metabolic condition that increases the long-term risk of heart disease.
  • Difficulty Sustaining Diet: A confessed challenge in maintaining the necessary lifestyle changes.

Ray Romano's Current Health Status and Message to Fans

Following the successful stent placement, Ray Romano’s prognosis is excellent, provided he adheres to his new, stringent health regimen. His health journey is now focused on secondary prevention—preventing future cardiac events and managing his pre-diabetes. This involves a commitment to a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and consistent medication to manage his cholesterol and blood pressure.

The comedian's decision to share his story, particularly on podcasts like Marc Maron’s WTF Podcast, was a deliberate effort to use his experience to help others. His message is a powerful one about the silent nature of heart disease and the necessity of listening to your doctor, even when you feel fine. He emphasized that he had no idea how close he was to a fatal event, underscoring the term "widowmaker" as a stark reminder for men, in particular, to prioritize their cardiovascular health. The experience has clearly had a profound impact, transforming his perspective on life and comedy. The candidness of his revelation has provided a valuable, timely public service announcement about the dangers of high cholesterol and the importance of regular check-ups in the current year.