Dr. Dodge: Passion for Health

Robert Cross was sixty-one years old when his frequent “indigestion” flared up in January, 2008. It was bad enough to send him to his internist for a check-up. His internist gave him a careful examination, and then advised an exercise nuclear heart scan. Robert was able to stay on the treadmill for only six minutes before becoming totally exhausted while experiencing the same kind of “indigestion” pain he had previously. This time it was even more severe.

As Robert put it, he was not surprised when his internist said that the test showed evidence of a serious cardiac problem and referred him to a cardiologist, but it was a real wake-up call for him. He weighed two-hundred and fifty pounds and was on pills for hypertension, high cholesterol,  and diabetes. Yet, he enjoyed kayaking and thought himself to be in average health until then. 

While waiting for his cardiology appointment, Robert researched the internet to find out how he might help himself. There he learned that lifestyle changes as recommended by physicians like Dr. McDougall and Dr. Esselstyn could be very effective. After reviewing as much evidence as possible on his own, he decided Dr. Esselstyn’s program would be worth trying.

After the cardiologist saw Robert and reviewed all his reports, he explained that the stress test revealed significant heart wall motion abnormality due to poor blood supply. He advised x-rays of the coronary arteries and probable stent placement to improve the blood supply to the heart muscle. Robert said he understood, but asked if he could first have a trial period with diet and medical management. His doctors were not keen about the idea, but finally agreed reluctantly.

The Robert Cross who saw his cardiologist in May 2009 was a new and revitalized edition of his former self. He had lost sixty pounds. His blood pressure, cholesterol level, and blood sugar had all returned to normal levels, and his internist had gradually taken him off his medications as it became clear they were no longer needed. When Robert repeated the cardiac stress test, he was able to go a full ten minutes on the treadmill with no symptoms. 

The cardiologist was clearly puzzled by all the changes, especially with the improvement in the stress test. He told Robert that the abnormal heart wall weakness had cleared up on the second test, but implied that there must have been some error on the first test. Skeptically, he asked Robert if he had really given his best effort the first time. Robert assured him that he had.

While the cardiologist was a skeptic about Robert’s improvements, his internist was impressed. He had monitored Robert’s progress carefully, adjusting his medications when needed, and he knew the improvement in Robert’s health was real. In fact, he sent a surgeon suffering similar health problems to see Robert so the surgeon could learn how he had successfully made such a dramatic turnaround in his health and life. Now the surgeon is achieving similar success.

Robert’s story is revealing on three levels. On a personal level, it is a true story of how a deeply motivated person can dramatically turn his health around by making effective lifestyle changes. It’s impressive that Robert found and followed his new lifestyle program on his own initiative. 

On a professional level, the reaction of the cardiologist to the changes he saw in Robert’s health is telling. Unfortunately, many physicians still do not understand the powerful impact of lifestyle on health, even though it has been solidly documented for more than twenty years. Finally, on a national level, millions of people could prevent much personal suffering by making simple lifestyle changes. Sadly, the majority lack the knowledge or motivation to do so. As a result, millions end up going down a road of preventable chronic disease, disability, and heavy financial tolls.