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Summary of Transcript:
In this episode of the Drive podcast, host Peter Atia interviews Dr. James O’Keefe, a cardiologist and medical director of the Charles and Barbara Dubock Cardio Health and Wellness Center at Saint Luke’s Mid-American Heart Institute. They discuss topics about preventative cardiology, such as the impact of exercise on the heart, the role of nutrition, and pharmacologic agents. They also discuss Dr. O’Keefe’s background and how he pivoted from interventional cardiology to preventative cardiology.
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Summary of Description:
In this episode of The Peter Attia Drive, Peter interviews James O’Keefe, a preventative cardiologist and bestselling author of The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle. They discuss cardiac physiology, the role of nutrition, exercise, and pharmacological interventions to support heart and brain longevity, and how to reduce cardiovascular risk. They also discuss evidence for high dose EPA and DHA for reducing cardiovascular disease risk, the impact of omega-3, curcumin, and other compounds on mental health and dementia, and James’ focus beyond cardiology.
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The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle: Cardiac Physiology and What Makes the Human Heart Susceptible to Disease
Cardiologist and bestselling author James O’Keefe recently joined Peter Attia on the Peter Attia Drive podcast to discuss cardiac physiology and the Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle. In the episode, James provides evidence for what supports his approach to exercise and elucidates both positive and negative kinds of activity for heart health. He also discusses the role of nutrition, specific nutrients, and pharmacological interventions in supporting heart and brain longevity.
James’ Background and Why He Favors a Preventative Approach to Cardiology
James O’Keefe is a preventative cardiologist and bestselling author of The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle. He believes in a preventative approach to cardiology rather than a reactive one. This means focusing on the body’s natural defenses rather than relying on drugs or surgery. He believes this approach can help people stay healthy and live longer.
Understanding Atherosclerosis and the Misconception That It’s a “Plumbing Problem”
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and making them less efficient. James explains that this is not simply a “plumbing problem” but a complex process involving inflammation, oxidation, and other factors. He discusses the importance of understanding the underlying causes of atherosclerosis to prevent and treat it.
The Danger in Excessive Exercise—A Reverse J-Shaped Mortality Curve
James explains that there is a danger in excessive exercise. He discusses a reverse J-shaped mortality curve, showing that too much activity can be harmful. He also shares the story of Micah True, a case study of excessive exercise and its potential dangers.
The Best Kinds of Exercise for Longevity—The Copenhagen City Heart Study
James explains that the best kinds of exercise for longevity are not necessarily the most strenuous. He discusses the Copenhagen City Heart Study, which found that moderate exercise, such as walking, is better for longevity than intense exercise. He also talks about being a more balanced athlete and finding the right exercise intensity.
Heart Rate During Exercise, Resting Heart Rate, and Other Important Metrics
James discusses important metrics, such as heart rate during exercise, resting heart rate, and other important metrics. He explains how these metrics can help to inform an individual’s exercise regimen.
Nutrition for Cardiovascular Health
James discusses the importance of nutrition for cardiovascular health. He talks about specific nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and collagen, and how they can help to support heart health.
GLT2 Inhibition for Diabetes, Cardio-Protection, and General Longevity
James explains the role of GLT2 inhibition in diabetes, cardioprotection, and general longevity. He also talks about GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Statins—Mechanism of Action, Safety, and Useful Alternatives
James discusses statins, their mechanism of action, safety, and useful alternatives. He explains the importance of a 40-year view on cardiovascular risk and the possibility of reversing arterial calcification.
The Impact of Omega-3, Curcumin, and Other Compounds on Mental Health and Dementia
James discusses the impact of omega-3, curcumin, and other compounds on mental health and dementia. He explains the evidence for high dose EPA and DHA to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
James’ Focus Beyond Cardiology
Finally, James talks about his focus beyond cardiology. He explains that he is interested in the science of longevity and the potential to increase lifespan while improving healthspan.
This episode of the Peter Attia Drive is an informative and enlightening look at cardiac physiology and the Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle. James O’Keefe provides evidence-based advice on exercise, nutrition, and pharmacological interventions to support heart and brain longevity. He also provides an inspiring perspective on the importance of preventative care and a balanced approach to health and wellness.
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Source Description
James O’Keefe is a preventative cardiologist and bestselling author of The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle. In this episode, James discusses cardiac physiology and what makes the human heart susceptible to disease. He provides evidence for what supports his approach to exercise–elucidating both positive and negative kinds of activity for heart health. He also discusses the role of nutrition, specific nutrients, and pharmacological interventions in supporting heart and brain longevity.
We discuss:
00:00:00 – Intro
00:03:15 – James’ background and why he favors a preventative approach to cardiology
00:10:15 – Understanding atherosclerosis and the misconception that it’s a “plumbing problem.”
00:21:15 – The danger in excessive exercise—a reverse J-shaped mortality curve
00:49:15 – The story of Micah True—a case study of excessive exercise
00:53:00 – The best kinds of exercise for longevity—The Copenhagen City Heart Study
00:58:45 – Being a more balanced athlete and finding the right exercise intensity
01:04:00 – Heart rate during exercise, resting heart rate, and other important metrics
01:09:45 – Nutrition for cardiovascular health
01:19:30 – Important nutrients: Magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and collagen
01:24:15 – GLT2 inhibition for diabetes, cardio-protection, and general longevity
01:34:15 – GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and reducing cardiovascular risk
01:37:25 – Statins—mechanism of action, safety, and useful alternatives
01:45:45 – A 40-year view on cardiovascular risk and the possibility of reversing arterial calcification
01:53:30 – Evidence for high dose EPA and DHA for the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk
01:59:00 – The impact of omega-3, curcumin, and other compounds on mental health and dementia
02:02:15 – James’ focus beyond cardiology
Show notes page: https://peterattiamd.com/jamesokeefe/
About:
The Peter Attia Drive is a weekly, ultra-deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing health, longevity, critical thinking…and a few other things. With over 30 million episodes downloaded, it features topics including fasting, ketosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, mental health, and much more.
Peter is a physician focusing on the applied science of longevity. His practice extensively deals with nutritional interventions, exercise physiology, sleep physiology, emotional and mental health, and pharmacology to increase lifespan (delay the onset of chronic disease) while improving healthspan (quality of life).
Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/
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