“I thought I was bulletproof.”

Published: 28 January 2025

Well-known New Zealand entrepreneur, businessman, husband, father and grandfather, Mike Pero, thought he was bulletproof until a wake-up call set him on a path to take extra care of his heart.

Mike hadn’t noticed any physical symptoms or signs that he was at risk of heart disease. However, during an annual heart checkup with his cardiologist, he noticed that his calcium score had increased significantly. Calcification refers to the hardening of plaque, a buildup of cholesterol over time. An angiogram revealed that he had plaque buildup and calcification in his arteries. 

“I have been monitoring my cholesterol since I was in my 20s,” he says. “But I didn’t fully understand how cholesterol led to plaque buildup and ‘calcification’.

Mike’s ethnicity (Cook Islands) and genetics were significant factors. His dad passed away at age 80 from an enlarged heart, which prompted Mike to get his own heart checked.

“To be honest, I thought I was leading a healthy lifestyle, with regular exercise and what I thought was a good diet. Since my deeper dive into my heart health, I’ve realised what it is that shortens our lives and that we have to be more diligent and understanding more about nutrition,” says Mike.  

“I want to enjoy the rest of my life, so under my new regimen, I am learning as much as I can about eating healthily. Today, I’m mindful of everything I eat and drink because I understand its impact on my health."

Since his diagnosis, Mike has remained committed to making healthy choices.

“My wife Rachel is very health-conscious and supportive. She’s great in the kitchen and loves making salads. These are so delicious and so good for you. I work out, at the gym, five times a week and I’m also a keen cyclist. Rachel teaches spin classes at a gym, and we both work together on staying active.” 

Today, he takes medication to keep his arteries free from further build-up and continues to see his cardiologist annually. He checks his blood pressure and bloodwork with the support of a nutritionist, focusing on routines that include a heart-healthy lifestyle. 

Mike urges others, especially those in the Pacific community, to get their hearts checked regularly, even if they don’t have any symptoms. “Your GP will know at what age you need to start having a regular CVDRA (cardiovascular disease risk assessment) also called a heart check. Many people wait for symptoms, but often it’s too late and they may not have a family doctor they see regularly.”

Mike hopes that sharing his story in the Big Heart Appeal will make a difference and inspire New Zealanders to give generously and support life-saving heart research.