He had become a little overweight and was struggling on the bike feeling "off colour". His diet was "not as it should be", and his cholesterol had crept up to higher-than-ideal. Individually, none of these things were dangerous but the combination was putting too much strain on his heart.
"One thing I've realised from this experience is how wonderfully the public health system responded to my need for urgent intervention, from ambulance through emergency, surgery and recovery. I've been given another shot at life and I want others to trust the health system to give them that same chance."
Mr Rewcastle's life has taken a turn for the better with newfound energy to savour his time with family. He's made a number of significant lifestyle changes - he's lost 10kg, exercises regularly, eats more healthy food and takes his medications.
"My quality of life is so much better now and I hope that others might benefit from reading about my experience."
From his background as a science teacher, Mr Rewcastle is very aware of the Heart Foundation's major role in funding and supporting research into heart disease and its effects on people, families and communities.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in New Zealand, accounting for more than 30 per cent of lives lost annually.
More than one Kiwi dies from heart disease every 90 minutes and many of these deaths are premature and preventable, Heart Foundation Medical Director Gerry Devlin said.
"Thousands of families and communities continue to be torn apart by heart disease in New Zealand every year. Anyone can be impacted by heart disease - young, old, fit, unfit, men and women. It is much more prevalent than many people realise."
