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The #1 Killer Worldwide
Understanding Heart DiseaseMarch 1st, 2025 Disclaimer: Not Medical Advice. Opinions are my own. In partnership with Momentous Today's Newsletter at a glance:
20,000,000 Lives Per YearHeart disease is the number one killer worldwide. Full stop. This jaw-dropping statistic puts heart disease in a different light. It reminds me of the famous Charlie Munger quote, "The only thing I want to know is where I'm going to die so I never go there". Generally speaking, knowing we statistically have the highest chance of dying of heart disease, the first thought that should come to mind is how do I avoid it? First, let's answer the question: "What is heart disease?" What is Heart Disease?Heart disease can be broken into two buckets:
The main culprit of heart disease deaths is blood vessel disease, also known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). This occurs when plaque is built up, narrowing or blocking blood flow to the heart (atherosclerosis). The second bucket is structural disease and electrical abnormalities. This includes a combination of congenital diseases or defects, arrhythmias, and valvular diseases. The good news about the second bucket is that, thanks to modern technology, some procedures can control irregular heartbeats and fix valvular and structural defects. Although we can reestablish blood flow with stents and bypass surgery, we have yet to find an effective solution to reverse plaque buildup. The goal is to slow or stabilize plaque production. Preventive Screening Tests Everyone Should Know Several diagnostic tests are available that can help with early detection of blockages. Non-invasive examples:
The gold standard for detecting coronary artery blockages and vessel disease is a Coronary Angiography or Cardiac Catheterization. Why? It provides a real-time and high-resolution view of the coronary arteries using contrast dye and X-ray. This can accurately locate and determine the severity of arterial blockage. Envision a 'cardiac' road map that detects where the roads are blocked. A Cardiac Catheterization is an invasive test that offers the ability for immediate intervention to restore blood flow via a stent. High-Quality Supplements MatterIn Partnership with Momentous Supplements should never be seen as substitutes to a healthy lifestyle. They should be supplemental to a consistent fitness routine, eating whole foods predominantly a whole foods diet, and having good sleep hygiene. However, not all supplements are created equally. Quality of ingredients, manufacturing, sourcing, and certifications matter. That's why for years my family and I have trusted Momentous supplements. All of their products are NSF and Informed Sport certified, which is the gold-standard for third-party testing. I personally take their creatine and omega-3 daily. I love the chocolate Momentous plant protein powder in my morning smoothies. If you are interested in trying Momentous supplements, I curated a collection of my essential supplements with them, which you can check out!
Use code LONDON at checkout for a discount Lifestyle PreventionBy this point, you should have a better understanding of heart disease, early screening and detection methods, and the gold standard for locating blockages. Now - what can you do today to increase the probability of kicking heart disease down the road or avoiding it entirely?
A food journal, especially an honest one, will help you objectively assess what you are putting in your mouth. Start by writing down everything you eat for a week, then review. Make meaningful changes to eliminate processed and ultraprocessed foods and focus on clean whole foods. Many underestimate the power of a simple walk. Not only will you receive all the positive benefits of getting outside, but you will also be moving your body. A 10-15-minute walk is an easy tool for regulating your blood sugar. The question is, are you willing to do better? Your future self depends on you doing better. I'm rooting for you. Jeremy London, MD Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. |
Jeremy London, M.D.
Join 50,000+ other readers of Human who are focused on building a healthier, happier life. From fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle to an inside look at Cardiovascular Surgery, my goal is to optimize your life for a better tomorrow.