Dr. Steven Reisman was an invited speaker at the F.B.I in Manhattan on June 30, 2010 to discuss heart attack prevention. As part of this lecture he discussed the advantages of exercise in the relationship to general health and in particular, in the prevention of cardiac disease. One of the references Dr. Reisman used was an article in the Wall Street Journal from January 5, 2010 entitled “The Hidden Benefits of Exercise”.

The article described how moderate exercise can be extremely successful in the prevention of disease in general. This includes bolstering the body’s immune system, improving the body’s response to influenza vaccine, and making the individual less prone to viral infections. Dr. Reisman discussed the advantage of regular exercise including something as simple as a thirty to forty-five minute brisk walk daily five times a week which has been shown to have a positive effect. The article described how individuals who undergo this type of program can reduce the number of sick days up to 50% compared to sedentary subjects. Inactivity can pose a significant risk to one’s health contributing to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, depression, arthritis, and osteoporosis. In relation to heart disease, studies have shown that exercise can lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, and decrease the incidence of diabetes.

There are guidelines developed by the Department of Health and Human Services and available at www.health.gov/paguidelines. A survey conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine and American Medical Association found that only four out of ten doctors talk to their patients about the importance of exercise. Dr. Reisman, a Manhattan Cardiologist stated that at the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center diet and exercise in the prevention of heart disease are important features of all patient interaction. Muscle strengthening activities two or more days a week are also suggested along with aerobic exercise.

Early detection of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes can be easily determined on a simple office visit with a basic blood test along with a basic history and physical examination.

The New York Times (7/19, Altman) reports that former Vice President Dick Cheney underwent a procedure to implant a mechanical pump that is now being given to a small number of people with congestive heart failure. It is generally used in individuals who have severe heart failure and are at the risk of dying within several months without the device.

These pumps are partial artificial hearts also known as “ventricular assist devices”. They are implanted as a last resort either for use as a temporary device until heart transplantation or may at times be used as a permanent device. Former Vice President Cheney has congestive heart failure most likely resulting from five prior heart attacks. In addition, Mr. Cheney has had angioplasty to open up blocked coronary arteries and also stents to increase perfusion. He also had a prior pacemaker and defibrillator.

Approximately 5.8 million people in the United States have congestive heart failure. About 670,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year. The most common causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life and life expectancy for those who have heart failure. The symptoms of heart failure may include shortness of breath during activity, difficulty in breathing when lying down, swelling of the legs and ankles, and general fatigue and weakness.