Is Tim Russert's sudden death a warning to his generation?

I already changed my lifestyle when I learned 3 years ago from a heart scan that things were not looking good. I quit smoking, took up exercise, started ice hockey again, learned about nutrition, and take medications.

What concerned me about Tim was what his doctor said today---that Tim was being treated for heart disease through medication, and that medication is in fact the best way to manage heart disease.

I disagree sir---medication coupled with the other things needed to be done is the right answer...just looking at Tim it was clear to see he wasnt exercising, was overweight, probably not eating correctly, and may or may not have had stress as a contributor.

I am terribly saddened by his loss, but the articles question was "will russerts death inspire you to change"?...the short answer is, YES.

I already changed my lifestyle when I learned 3 years ago from a heart scan that things were not looking good. I quit smoking, took up exercise, started ice hockey again, learned about nutrition, and take medications.

What concerned me about Tim was what his doctor said today---that Tim was being treated for heart disease through medication, and that medication is in fact the best way to manage heart disease.

I disagree sir---medication coupled with the other things needed to be done is the right answer...just looking at Tim it was clear to see he wasnt exercising, was overweight, probably not eating correctly, and may or may not have had stress as a contributor.

I am terribly saddened by his loss, but the articles question was "will russerts death inspire you to change"?...the short answer is, YES.

Depending where your at in your lifespan will determine how you feel about this. Tim lived a charmed life and died the charmed way. In the latest Jack Nickolson movie, the character was terminal and suffering from Chemo and said "Somewhere there is a lucky guy dying from a heart attack right now."

In my 60's I agree with Jack.

After interviewing Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn about his book, "Reverse and Prevent Heart Disease," a little over a year ago, I switched my diet from vegan to low fat vegan.

That same diet, through 20 years of peer-reviewed research, REVERSED heart disease in his very sick patients. He explains in detail why a "no added fat" vegan diet can not only reverse heart disease, but "heart attack proof" your health (only around 3 to 6% of heart disease comes from genetics).

You can read the interview I did at:

http://www.madcowboy.com

Modern science has NEVER accomplished what Esselstyn (and independently, Dr. Dean Ornish) have done: reversed heart disease through diet.

The sooner people realize the implications, the better. Some 770,000 people, according to the CDC, will have a heart attack in 2008.

Which is more radical? Taking drugs or cutting open someone's chest to insert a leg vein, or eating right?

FYI, Mark

http://www.soulveggie.com

I have practiced emergency medicine for 25 years and am board certified in both emergency medicine and preventive medicine. I suspect no one in my profession is surprised ( although I am saddened) by Tim's sudden death... Actually the first sign of heart disease in upto 50% of the cases is sudden death. If you are not allergic to aspirin and have clearance to taken a small dose every day, people over 50 should be taking one every day.. that alone can cut the sudden death from a heart attack by 50%- add a statin drug to the daily routine along with a 30 min walk or stationary bike ride each AM will cut sudden death even further. Albert Schweitzer noted that each of us has a doctor inside of us. It is up to each of us to make sure that we do all that we can to avoid the easy ways to die. I'll miss Tim terribly.. He was one of a kind..

Dr Pitts

His way of going is so much better than dying slowly of a wasting disease. His family would hurt so much more if he had had a slow death. I speak from personal experience. Yes, it's so sad that he was so young; however, he will be remembered as being active, dynamic, and doing a job that he obviously loved rather than sick, weak, and dying. I know that not all will agree with my assessment.

It's a tragic situation for the Russert family, but it has been previously stated that he had high cholesterol and was under the care of a physician, so I am wondering if he was taking medication for this symptom/problem and if the cure wasn't worse than the disease. The ratio is extremely high for those that have high cholesterol and die while taking medication to combat this very problem.

If anyone looked like he ate bad food and didn't exercise it was Tim Russert. Why are we in shock that he died at 58? That guy was overweight and out of shape. Such a shame, cause he was a great reporter and seemed like a decent human being. He should have taken better care of himself. When will our culture wake up and admit that our junk food and lack of exercise are killing us.

Thanks Dr. Pitts for reminiding us about the miracle of aspirin. I wish my father was taking a bit more of it. He too died of a heart attack. At least he lived well over 60, but still below what his life expectancy was. And while I am not over 50 yet, but getting close to it nevertheless, I too feel I need to take apirin at least a few times a week.

Exercising, eating very moderately, watching one's fats and alcohol consumption, quitting or cutting way back on smoking are the keys to longer life. I also suggest getting a dog or two. They will force you to get of the house and walk them, at least twice a day. Excessive planting one's butt in front of a computer and a high-def TV should be terminated immediately!