April 15, 2005
Dr. Chris Friend, a cardiologist at Martha Jefferson Hospital, treats patients with heart disease. He also treats the average person who just wants to stay heart healthy.
"The most common heart problem one might have is coronary heart disease, the accumulation of cholesterol blockage in our arteries. It is by far the most common cause of death in our country and it's a totally preventable disease. Fast food is one of the biggest single causes of coronary heart epidemic in our country. It's so accessible, it's cheap, it's right there, it tastes good, and it's really bad for you," said Dr. Friend.
While smoking is terrible for your heart, alcohol can be good. Dr. Friend offered some tips, saying that, "People who drink one or two drinks a day on average have less heart disease than people who abstain. More than two drinks can lead to high blood pressure, stroke and many other ailments."
Dr Friend added that "Brisk regular walking is an excellent form of exercise. Everyone should exercise. People postpone it, [saying] 'I'll do it someday, I'll get in shape someday,' it's not the kind of thing you can postpone. You have to start right now and exercise every single day."
