In this episode of The Heart Chamber Podcast, guest Cody McKay shares his journey with an ascending aortic aneurysm and how it impacted his life as a young athlete. .

We spoke with Cody McKay, a Canadian elite cyclist from Ottawa. Cody spoke with us about his journey through cycling and how discovering his Aortic Aneurism has encouraged him to advocate for and educate people on being aware of their heart conditions and knowing the signs.

CTV's Leanne Cusack talks to Dr. Vincent Chan, a cardiac surgeon, and Cody McKay, a heart institute patient, about Heart Month.

On Wednesday, Wahl's family said he'd died from the rupture of an undetected ascending aortic aneurysm. "No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him," his wife, Dr. Céline Gounder, said in an online post.

As a professional athlete, I rely on my body to listen to my mind like a Formula 1 driver expects his car to respond to his maneuvers. I take great pride in my fitness, strength and athletic ability. I know that I have a God-given gift.

One morning, five years ago, that special gift was taken away.