Additional Coverage:
- A cardiac surgeon ignored his own heart attack symptoms. He says anyone can miss the red flags. (businessinsider.com)
Cardiac Surgeon Experiences His Own “Oh Sh*t” Moment, Leading to Major Health Overhaul
Even a cardiac surgeon isn’t immune to the classic “do as I say, not as I do” trap, as Dr. Jeremy London discovered the hard way.
While out hunting with his son in the dark Georgia woods in 2022, London, then in his 40s, was hit with crushing chest pain, a feeling he initially dismissed as heartburn. However, the textbook symptoms of a heart blockage-exertion-induced pain relieved by rest-soon became undeniable.
“I went, ‘Oh sh*t.’ I knew what it was,” London recounted.
“Symptoms brought on with exertion, relieved with rest is coronary angina until proven otherwise. That’s what I do every day.”
Despite a seemingly healthy lifestyle of regular exercise, including triathlon training and jiu-jitsu, and a nutritionist wife, London’s busy schedule left him stressed and sleep-deprived. His self-diagnosis was confirmed at the ER, where doctors found a 99% blockage in his right artery.
Now 59, London’s personal ordeal underscores a universal truth: even experts can overlook warning signs and put off their own health. “The bottom line is, many, many times we know better and we don’t do better.
It is a universal human trap, and none of us are immune,” he said. “I mean, who would know better than me?”
From Surgeon to Patient: A Health Reckoning
London’s recovery forced him to confront the less-than-stellar aspects of his health routine. He realized that while he excelled at exercise, other crucial habits had fallen by the wayside.
“The most important thing for you is the thing you’re bad at,” London stated. “For me, that’s sleep.”
Decades of long hours and on-call duty had taken a toll on his ability to rest and recover.
His first step was to prioritize sleep hygiene, stress management, and overall recovery. But the self-assessment didn’t stop there.
A continuous glucose monitor, tried on a whim, revealed another shocking truth: he was pre-diabetic. To manage his blood sugar, London adopted simple yet effective habits: short walks after meals, more movement breaks throughout the day, and incorporating fiber and protein into every meal.
Hydration for a Healthier Heart
Consistent hydration also became a cornerstone of his new routine. London now makes it a point to drink water first thing in the morning and keeps a bottle handy to sip throughout the day.
He emphasizes that dehydration can exacerbate stress on the heart and hinder both mental and physical performance. As an official partner of the water filter brand Rorra, London uses their countertop filter to reduce exposure to environmental contaminants like PFAS, which have been linked to various health issues.
“With my busy schedule and operations that can last hours at a time, it’s easy for my hydration to take a back seat,” he noted. “Though it’s far from perfect, I try to hydrate proactively.”
The humbling experience of realizing his own health shortcomings ultimately became an opportunity for growth. “The key is that you recognize it, you learn from that, and you’re a better person at taking care of yourself and consequently everyone around you as a result of making those mistakes,” London reflected.
Understanding Your Heart Health: Key Metrics to Monitor
London highlights that heart disease, not cancer, remains the leading cause of death for American adults. While factors like age, genetics, and environment play a role, understanding key health metrics is crucial for protection:
- Blood pressure: Often called “the silent killer,” high blood pressure can be hard to detect without regular checks.
- Blood sugar: A vital indicator of metabolic health, balanced blood sugar signifies efficient energy management.
- Cholesterol: While some cholesterol is necessary, high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can lead to arterial blockages.
- Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the heart and circulatory system.
Once these baseline metrics are understood and compared to normal ranges for one’s age group, it becomes easier to implement impactful healthier habits. “There are some really simple, although not easy ways to move the needle, to protect yourself from cardiac events or to then reset yourself if those things have already happened,” London concluded.