Michael Harding is one of Ireland's leading writers.
His new book, Chest Pain: A Man, a Stent and a Camper Van, details the story of the heart attack he had nine months ago and its subsequent impact on his outlook.
Prior to his heart attack, Michael says he felt old, but put it down to tiredness. There were no other warning signs, as he had good cholesterol and normal blood pressure.
Several of his family members have had stents, so he now thinks the heart attack may have been a result of genetics or stress.
Having come through a near death experience, he says: "I feel healthier than I was before I had the heart attack."
Michael joined us on The Last Word to talk about the experience and his lifelong interest in religion.
Listen to the interview in full by pressing the play button on this page.
