James Gandolfini: His Secret Heart Troubles Before Death Revealed

So sad. A friend of James' tells HollywoodLife.com that the actor had heart troubles before his death and chose not to seek help. Could he have done something to prolong his life? James Gandolfini suddenly and tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack on June 19. The 51-year-old actor's death has shocked and blindsided the entertainment world, but a friend close to James tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that he had a history of heart problems.

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James Gandolfini: Friends Wanted Him To See Doctors

Several years ago, a group of James’ close friends staged an intervention of sorts and pleaded with the actor to watch his health, knowing that he was suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, James’ friend tells HollywoodLife.com exclusively. They asked him to see a heart specialist on the matter, however, James decided to forego the doctor visits, a choice that now looms dreadfully large.

James had previous health problems that likely contributed to his fatal heart attack on June 19, the friend says, but he insists strongly that James’ past struggles with drugs had nothing to do with his death. In 2002, James admitted to the Daily News that he battled cocaine and alcohol abuse and had done a stint in rehab. But those days were long behind him, the friend tells HollywoodLife.com. He had overcome his addiction battles, and was living a clean life at the time of his death.

James’ autopsy reportedly confirms that. In a news conference on June 21, family friend Michael Kobald revealed that the report showed James died of a “heart attack of natural causes” and “nothing else was found in his system,” according to NBC News.

James Gandolfini Remembered

Besides speaking about James’ health, the friend couldn’t stress enough about how great of a person the passed actor was. He was extremely broken up talking to us, and the effect James had on him was obvious. He reiterated that James was a kind, generous, and unimaginably selfless man, and that he will be seriously missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to James’ family and friends during this difficult time.

WATCH: James Gandolfini Dead Of A Heart Attack At 51 In Italy

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More On James Gandolfini’s Death:

  1. James Gandolfini Dead: ‘Sopranos’ Actor Dies In Italy
  2. James Gandolfini’s Son, 13, Called For Help Before He Died On ‘Boys Trip’
  3. James Gandolfini Was ‘Such A Great Dad,’ Says Close Friend