OPM Singer and Kapamilya actor Rico J. Puno has been recuperating after undergoing and surviving more than seven hours of triple heart bypass surgery last Sunday at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
“Amen! God is great! I am so grateful to you my dear God! After more than seven hours in the operating room, our Dear Rico J survived the operation,” said Puno’s good friend, jazz singer Richard Merck.
“Let’s celebrate Rico J’s new gift of life!! We love you Rico! I guess you made God laugh in some of your shows! He loves you so much Pre! Stay happy and healthy! Amen to what God gave you today,” Merck added.
Puno’s partner, Queenie, also shared the good news via Facebook.
“Good morning! Jesus, I am humbled by the gift of life. Received good news from Doctor Garcia,” wrote Queenie in her post.
“I’m so glad! Please include Rico in your morning prayer and thank Jesus for a successful operation. Rico J Puno, I love you dags! Can’t wait for us to be transferred to the private room. Today was worth sleeping in the lobby!,” she added.
Puno first felt difficulties in his breathing last week. When shooting for ABS-CBN’s sitcom “Home Sweetie Home,” he struggled ascending the stairs towards the studio.
Soon afterwards, Puno was brought to the clinic and sent back home to rest. Queenie then persuaded him to undergo a check-up at the Makati Medical Center.
The 62-year-old singer-actor was placed under the intensive care unit and had an angiogram. It was then found out that he had a clogged aorta.
This was not the first time Puno experienced chest pains. In a concert with Sison and Hajji Alejandro in 2012, Puno almost suffered a heart attack as his blood pressure went up to 220/180 after his performance.