I saw an interview with his physician who said Tim had ruptured a plaque in the LAD (left anterior descending). Don't they call that vessel "the widow-maker?"
This was on the MSNBC website:
"Russert’s physician, Michael Newman, said cholesterol plaque ruptured in an artery, causing sudden coronary thrombosis. Russert had earlier been diagnosed with asymptomatic coronary artery disease, but it was well-controlled with medication and exercise, and he had performed well on a stress test in late April, Newman said. An autopsy revealed that he also had an enlarged heart, Newman said."
It would be very interesting to know what Tim's numbers where so others might get a better sense for their risk. Did he have high total cholesterol, low good cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure? His dad was over 80 but I think his mom died young. From what, I wonder.
I also just read on wikipedia that he had diabetes.