Overview

• Pellmann says the heart attack occurred in July after faction meetings in North Rhine-Westphalia, with chest pressure and a smartwatch pulse of 159 before surgery within an hour.
• He returned to work in October, resuming leadership of the Left party’s Bundestag group.
• He calls for a more candid approach to illness, stress and potential addiction in political life, describing current norms as taboo-laden.
• He describes workdays with 10 to 12 appointments, no real breaks, persistent social media demands, and frequent alcohol at receptions as tangible risk factors.
• He recounts initial hesitation to disclose the episode for fear of appearing weak, says reactions were largely supportive, and reports increased exercise, healthier eating and a 22-kilogram weight loss.