During four decades of game announcements, the former Michigan football voice, Jim Brandstater, 74, made memorable calls.
“Wolverine Nation, the long drought is over: Ohio State is defeated.”
The words of the victory of the University of Michigan in 2021 are certain that it will never forget.
But from its condominium on the east coast of Florida, the recently retired brand reflects on another notable call.
“I never had a problem with my heart, but I made the decision in sixties to start seeing a cardiologist,” he said.
“I didn’t even know that the problem was there, but they helped me manage my state and continue living my life without major changes.”
Brandstatter played football for Michigan from 1969 to 1972, winning two Big Ten championships and winning two trips to the pink Bowl.
Meanwhile, he has not undergone any major injury.
“I’m very lucky,” he said.
“I am one of the rare guys from this team with all my original games: no knees or artificial hips. Nothing serious enough to send me to the hospital or require surgery. »»
His good health continued throughout his distribution career, which began in local Michigan local news.
In 1979, Brandstatter began calling for color comments for Michigan football on the radio and took over as a Play-By-Play in 2014.
Become proactive on heart health
Around 2012, Brandstatter visited UM Health for his first appointment with cardiology.
His former coach, Bo Schembechler, had his first heart attack at the age of 39 before the pink Bowl in which the brand played.
Schembechler received several treatments at the UM Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, carefully directed by Kim Eagle, MD, one of the Center directors.
During one of his meetings, the brandstatter care team diagnosed him with atrial fibrillation.
Recent estimates show that Approximately 10.5 million Americans have the condition, commonly known as AFIB.
Many people with AFIB do not have regular symptoms, including the brand.
However, the irregular heart rate can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke if it is not treated.
Brandstatter received several treatments for AFIB.
In addition to management with drugs, the electrophysiologist of Brandstatter, Hakan Oral, MD, also treated it with a mini-invasive catheter removal.
This method consists in putting on a catheter in the left headset of the heart, identifying places that cause defective cardiac signals and using heat or cold energy to stop them.
“The ablation of the catheter has evolved as a very effective treatment modality for patients with atrial fibrillation, and UM health has been at the forefront of promoting this therapy in the past three decades,” said oral.
“With the availability of the latest removal technology using removal of non -thermal 3D pulse field, the procedure can often be carried out in complete safety within 60 to 90 minutes, and most patients can go home same day. “
Throughout his treatment, Brandstatter was able to travel to broadcast UM games. This continued his retirement at the end of the 2021 season.
Despite the start of the stand, the brand remains active on social networks, where it produces video segments on UM athletics.
He plays golf for several days a week and made many walks with his wife, Robbie.
“Jim Brandstatter was very proactive about his health,” said Eagle.
“I think that by looking at what happened to coach Schembechler and other former players and friends, he realized that as regards heart health, we must all understand our risk factors And have a medical “coach”. They can help find the best “game plan” possible to prevent and overcome heart disease. It is rewarding to look at a patient with this state of mind to do so well. »»
Brandstatter urges people to take their lead and have their hearts checked at some point.
“For your own safety and your peace of mind, find a cardiologist,” he said.
“Heart disease can happen to anyone and it is best to treat it early.”
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