How Connie Kreski, Playboy’s Playmate of the Year, Died of a Blocked Carotid Artery

Connie Kreski was a stunning model and actress who rose to fame as Playboy magazine’s Playmate of the Month for January 1968 and Playmate of the Year for 1969. She was also a close friend of the late Sharon Tate, who was brutally murdered by the followers of Charles Manson in 1969. Kreski had a promising career and a glamorous life, but she died unexpectedly at the age of 48 in 1995. What was the cause of her death and what led to it? Here is what we know.

The Carotid Artery and Its Role in Blood Flow

The carotid artery is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain, neck, and face. There are two carotid arteries on each side of the neck, one internal and one external. The internal carotid artery branches into smaller arteries that deliver blood to the brain, while the external carotid artery supplies blood to the face, scalp, and neck muscles.

The carotid artery is essential for maintaining normal brain function and preventing strokes. A stroke occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. A stroke can be caused by either a blockage or a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. A blockage can be due to a blood clot, a plaque buildup, or a narrowing of the artery. A rupture can be due to an aneurysm, a weak spot in the artery wall that bulges and bursts.

According to Healthline, some of the symptoms of a blocked or ruptured carotid artery include

  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
  • Severe headache
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Confusion or memory loss

A blocked or ruptured carotid artery can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent brain damage, disability, or death.

The Risk Factors and Prevention of Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease is a condition where the carotid arteries become narrowed or clogged due to plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky substance made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances that accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries. Plaque can harden and reduce the blood flow to the brain, or it can break off and form a clot that blocks the artery.

According to Mayo Clinic, some of the risk factors for developing carotid artery disease include:

  • Age: The risk increases as people get older
  • High blood pressure: This puts extra strain on the artery walls and damages them
  • High cholesterol: This contributes to plaque formation and inflammation
  • Diabetes: This affects the ability of the body to process sugar and fats, leading to plaque buildup
  • Smoking: This damages the blood vessels and increases plaque formation
  • Obesity: This increases the levels of cholesterol and blood pressure
  • Family history: Having a close relative with carotid artery disease increases the risk
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity reduces blood circulation and increases plaque formation

To prevent or slow down carotid artery disease, Mayo Clinic recommends:

  • Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars
  • Exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week
  • Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke
  • Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if overweight or obese
  • Managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease
  • Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor to lower your risk factors
  • Having regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your carotid arteries and screen for any signs of blockage or narrowing

The Tragic Death of Connie Kreski

Connie Kreski was born on September 19, 1946 in Wyandotte, Michigan. She briefly worked as a psychiatric nurse at a hospital in Ann Arbor before being discovered by a Playboy scout at a University of Michigan football game. She posed for Playboy magazine and became Playmate of the Month for January 1968 and Playmate of the Year for 1969. She also appeared in several movies and TV shows in the 1970s, such as Can Hieronymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?, The Trackers, The Outside Man, The Black Bird, Captains and the Kings, and Aspen.

Kreski was also a close friend of Sharon Tate, the actress and wife of director Roman Polanski, who was murdered by the Manson Family in 1969. Kreski was among those invited to Tate’s mansion on the night of the massacre, but she declined the invitation and escaped the tragedy. She later wrote an article for the Detroit Free Press expressing her grief and shock over Tate’s death.

Kreski had several romantic relationships in her life, including with actor James Caan, director Peter Bogdanovich, and a doctor. She never married or had children. She lived in Beverly Hills, California, where she died on March 21, 1995. The cause of her death was a blocked carotid artery. She was 48 years old.

Connie Kreski was a beautiful and talented woman who had a bright future ahead of her. She was a Playboy icon and a Hollywood star who charmed many people with her grace and charisma. She also survived a horrific event that claimed the life of her dear friend. However, she succumbed to a silent killer that took her away too soon. Her death was a shock and a loss to many who knew and loved her. She will always be remembered as one of Playboy’s most tragic playmates.

Doms Desk

Leave a Comment