I never heard of problems this extensive going from zero to Ludicrous Speed in 4 years. As far as I know it isn't possible.
How extensive is it? Do you know?
One of my dear friends of 30+ years thought he was having some bad indigestion. His wife insisted he go to the doctor. The doc said, "uh oh" and put him in the hospital (with him fighting it all the way). They put him on the treadmill and he passed out. Had a quintuple bypass the following morning.
If it wasn't for his wife, he'd probably be chugging maalox when The Big One hit.
Yup, these things do come on suddenly--at least the diagnosis of heart problems. The patient may be ignoring the symptoms, like my buddy.