“I Nearly Died”: T.D. Jakes Claims a “Massive Heart Attack” Caused His Mid-Sermon Medical Emergency

For the first time, Bishop T.D. Jakes is discussing his terrifying health scare from late last year in public.

This Wednesday, the 67-year-old spiritual leader disclosed on the Today show that on November 24, while giving a live sermon at a church session, he suffered a catastrophic heart attack.

Jakes stated that it wasn’t until he arrived at the hospital in an ambulance that he truly understood what was happening to him onstage. “And the doctor said, ‘You’ve had a massive heart attack,’ leaning over in my ear.”

According to the bishop, he had not encountered any of the typical symptoms of a heart attack. “I simply fell asleep sort of. “I had no idea what it was,” he clarified. “I would have been dead when I arrived five minutes later,” the doctor stated.

Jakes revealed that his heart’s right side had ceased pumping blood altogether. He claimed that while the adrenaline while preaching kept him going, the dip in adrenaline when he sat down made it clear how bad his condition was. “I had a clot that was closing half of my heart while I was preaching.”

While still conscious, he had emergency surgery to remove the clot. “I never fall asleep with them. “Technology is incredible,” he remarked.

The live video of him collapsing on stage went viral on the internet. In real time, however, Jakes’ experience felt very different. “I wasn’t in the chair there. I was in a place that was cloud- and white-enveloped, calm, tranquil, and quiet. “I was leaving,” he said. “The microphone had to be pryed from my grasp.”

Jakes characterized the encounter as profoundly spiritual, even referring to it as a “privilege” to have a peek of what he thinks might be beyond. He also conveyed his sincere appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and support that he got from all around the world. Prayers were sent even by those who don’t attend my church. I’m really grateful.

Jakes virtually addressed his congregation a week after the tragedy, describing his survival as a miracle. “I encountered a potentially fatal situation. They hurried me to the intensive care unit. He informed them, “I had emergency surgery.” “A lot of you are unaware that you are witnessing a miracle.”

Prior to the heart attack, Jakes mentioned that he had just had a complete checkup and was in good health. “There are times when events occur that are out of our control,” he stated. “And in this spiritual battle, things do happen sometimes.”