Veteran rugby league commentator Andrew Moore, a familiar voice to millions of NRL fans, has issued a stark and deeply personal health warning after surviving a sudden and severe heart attack, revealing the highly unusual symptom that preceded the life-threatening event.
The acclaimed broadcaster, known for his work on ABC Sport and 2GB, was preparing for a routine broadcast when he was struck by an overwhelming and inexplicable sensation that something was profoundly wrong.
'A Wave Of Absolute Doom': The Unseen Symptom
"It wasn't chest pain, it wasn't a sore arm, it wasn't breathlessness," Moore explained, detailing the moments before his collapse. "It was just a wave of absolute doom that came over me." This profound feeling of impending dread, a little-known but recognised cardiac symptom, was his body's only alarm bell.
Despite the terrifying sensation, Moore's professionalism kicked in. He remarkably managed to call his broadcast partner, preview the upcoming match, and even conduct a full interview, all while silently grappling with what he now knows was his body shutting down.
A Fight For Life And A Miraculous Recovery
Shortly after, Moore suffered a full cardiac arrest. His survival hinged on a series of miracles: the swift arrival of paramedics, the presence of a defibrillator, and the incredible skill of emergency and hospital staff who worked tirelessly to bring him back from the brink.
Reflecting on his brush with death, Moore shared the powerful thought that flashed through his mind as he fought for consciousness: "I'm not dying on them. I'm not leaving my wife and my two boys." This fierce determination, he believes, played a crucial role in his survival.
A Vital Message On Heart Health Awareness
Now on the road to recovery, Moore is using his platform to deliver a critical public message. He urges people to look beyond the classic, well-publicised symptoms of a heart attack.
"We always hear about the left arm, and the chest pain, and the shortness of breath... but it can be different," he stressed. His experience underscores that symptoms can be vague, non-specific, and different for everyone, especially between men and women.
Andrew Moore's story is more than a sports scare; it's a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of listening to our bodies, however strange the warning might seem.
