"Real Housewife" Kim Zolciak talks about the time she nearly died

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" alum Kim Zolciak feels blessed to be alive after a serious health scare. During an emotional visit with Dr. Oz airing Friday, she discusses the condition that landed her in the hospital in dire shape.

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Photo credit: Sony Pictures Television

“I run every night with my husband, since the stroke," she said. The reality star who has since taken her husband Kroy Biermann's name and is now officially known as Kim Zolciak Biermann. "It's a big thing to do, the cardio…I smoked for many, many years. I quit smoking a few years ago, which I think helped. And I eat in moderation. I do think that's key.”

The health scare prompted her to make lasting changes.

 “It's changed me forever. At 37, I was just careless, footloose and fancy free. I never thought anything would happen to me," she said. "I do have a little bit of fear that it's going to happen again.”

"Dr. Oz" airs weekdays at 3 p.m., just before Channel 2 Action News at 4 p.m. The station, like the AJC, is part of Cox Media Group.