Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the world's number one killer, claiming millions of lives each year. In a stark reminder of the epidemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that CVDs were responsible for a staggering 19.8 million deaths globally in 2022. The situation in the United States is equally alarming, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noting that one person dies every 34 seconds due to heart-related ailments. This escalating global burden makes prioritising heart health an urgent necessity for individuals everywhere.
The Surgeon's Insight: Beyond the Operating Table
Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon with over 25 years of experience and training from institutions like Joseph Hospital in Denver and Carolinas Medical Center in North Carolina, has shed light on the common characteristics he observes in patients requiring heart surgery. He emphasises that while surgery fixes an immediate, acute issue, it does not cure the underlying chronic problem. "Behaviour modifications are the most effective treatment of the why or the root cause," Dr London states, urging a focus on factors within our control.
1. The Perils of Smoking
According to Dr London, smoking is one of the most damaging habits for heart health. It injures the lining of blood vessels, directly leading to atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque that hardens and narrows arteries, restricting blood flow. Furthermore, carbon monoxide from smoke binds to haemoglobin more easily than oxygen, reducing oxygen supply to the heart and body. The risk isn't limited to heavy smokers. A recent study from the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center published in PLOS Medicine found that even low-intensity smokers face a substantially higher risk of heart disease and death compared to non-smokers. The solution, as Dr London advises, is straightforward: stop smoking.
2. The Silent Killer: Obesity
Obesity is the second most common trait among heart surgery patients, a trend Dr London has witnessed firsthand. Driven by the popularity of fast food and processed items, obesity acts as a silent killer. It leads to high blood pressure and chronic inflammation, which damage blood vessels, accelerate atherosclerosis, and drastically elevate heart disease risk. Supporting this, a 2024 American Heart Association study found that obesity-related heart disease deaths in the US surged by 180% between 1999 and 2020.
3. The Lifestyle Link: Type 2 Diabetes
Dr London identifies type 2 diabetes, a largely lifestyle-induced condition, as a major pathway to severe heart disease requiring surgical intervention. The encouraging news is that it can often be reversed through lifestyle changes like weight loss, a healthy diet, and increased physical activity. The prevalence of undetected heart issues in diabetic patients is high; a 2023 American Heart Association study revealed that one in three adults with type 2 diabetes may have unnoticed cardiovascular disease.
4. Genetics: You Have More Control Than You Think
The fourth non-modifiable risk factor is genetics. However, Dr London offers a powerful counterpoint: while you cannot change your genes, you can influence how they are expressed. This control lies in three fundamental lifestyle pillars: diet, exercise, and stress management. The key is consistency. "The key is to build a routine where, if you miss those things, you crave them," he explains. It's about transforming healthy choices into ingrained habits.
Conclusion: Your Heart is in Your Hands
The evidence is clear. The global crisis of heart disease is fuelled by identifiable and often modifiable factors. Dr Jeremy London's observations from the operating room serve as a crucial public health message. By addressing smoking, obesity, diabetes through lifestyle shifts, and proactively managing genetic risks with daily healthy routines, individuals can take powerful steps to protect their hearts. If you recognise these traits in your own life, consider it a sign to begin making positive changes today.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication, treatment, diet, or supplement regimen.
