Top News

Heart diseases are the leading cause of death globally. In the United States, due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), according to the CDC. The global burden is rising, and CVDs resulted in in 2022, as per the WHO. Placing heart health should be the topmost priority today. In a newsletter, Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon trained at the Joseph Hospital in Denver and Carolinas Medical Center, NC, talks about the common traits found in heart surgery patients.

Common traits found in heart surgery patients

The surgeon, who has over 25 years of clinical experience, revealed that these common traits are often the driving force behind heart diseases in those who require heart surgery. He also explained why focusing on the modifiable factors is important. “The harsh truth is that surgery resolves the acute problem but does not address the underlying chronic problem. Behaviour modifications are the most effective treatment of the why or the root cause,” the doctor said.

What are these traits? Let’s take a look.

Smoking Smoking is the worst thing to do to your body, especially the heart, according to Dr London. “Smoking damages the lining of your blood vessels, which has been directly shown to lead to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in your arteries). This hardens and narrows your blood vessels, restricting blood flow to your heart and other organs,” he said.

“In addition, the carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke binds to haemoglobin in the blood more readily than oxygen, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart and the rest of your body.” You don't have to be a chain-smoker to damage your heart. Even occasional smoking can lead to heart disease .

A recent study published in the journal PLOS Medicine by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease found that have a substantially higher risk of heart disease and death compared to people who never smoked.

“The good news is the solution is simple: stop smoking,” the doctor advised.

Obesity

The second trait that most heart surgery patients share is obesity. “I have seen the rise of obesity firsthand. With fast food and processed foods increasing in popularity, obesity has become the silent killer,” the doctor said. He explained how obesity leads to high blood pressure and chronic inflammation that damages the blood vessels, resulting in atherosclerosis and elevating heart disease risk. A 2024 study by the American Heart Association found that increased by 180% in the US between 1999 and 2020.

Diabetes

Dr London noted that type 2 diabetes could also lead to severe heart disease that requires surgery. “Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle-induced disease. That means it will take lifestyle changes to reverse it,” he said. Simple changes such as weight loss, eating a healthy diet and physical activity can reverse the condition. Another study by the American Heart Association in 2023 found that one in three adults with type 2 diabetes may have .

Genetics

The fourth factor that increases the risk of heart disease is your genetics. “You can't run from your genes. However, you do have power over how they are expressed,” the cardiologist said. Yes, you read that right. You can still control how your genes express by making three simple changes in your lifestyle: diet, exercise and stress management.

“The key is not to eat healthily once, go to the gym once or get a good night's rest once. Those are small victories. The key is to build a routine where, if you miss those things, you crave them,” the doctor said.

If these are some of the traits you observe in your life, this is your sign to make changes. Just as Dr London emphasised, focus on the lifestyle factors you can improve to keep your heart healthy.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.