HEART - Saint Luke's Health System
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Fall 2021
FROM THE
HEART Newsletter from
A Lifesaving Change of Heart
for Steve White—Heart Transplant Patient #900 at Saint Luke’s
S
By James H. O’Keefe, MD
teve White is a close friend said, “Fortunately, it wasn’t the very
who’s a beloved person in first date, and I didn’t order the soup,
Kansas City. He became the or that spell might have scared Lisa
900th heart transplant recipi- away!”
ent at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart When he arrived at the Emergency
Institute on June 20, 2021. Steve is a Department at Saint Luke’s on the Pla-
doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) za, he was in heart block. This is where
and he’s been taking care of genera- the heart’s main wire shorts out, there-
tions of our family pets for over three by disconnecting the heart’s intrinsic
decades. pacemaker in the atrium at the top of
Because my wife, Joan, is an the heart from the ventricles (the main
over-the-top animal lover, our family pumps) at the bottom of the heart.
typically has two or three dogs and a That’s when Steve and I met, now 33
couple of cats in the house. Indeed, years ago, and I personally put in his
Joan spoils our adopted four-legged first permanent pacemaker.
kids much more than she dotes on me. As it turns out, Steve has a rare
When we finished our training at Mayo inherited genetic mutation that
Clinic and moved here from Rochester, predisposes him to heart block and
Minn., in 1988, one of the first things Steve White and his family, Kathryn (Kit),
eventually to heart failure, when the standing, Kimberly, seated, and his wife Lisa,
Joan did was find the best veterinar- heart’s ability to pump enough blood next to Steve. Photo courtesy of Jamie White.
ian in Kansas City to help keep our becomes impaired. To the outside
animals healthy. So, Joan got to know world, Steve has lived a normal and remove scar tissue that was impeding
Steve before I did. active life, working full time as a vet, as the flow of venous blood back to his
In the spring of 1989, Steve was a well as serving as a deacon in the Cure heart, and one to replace his tricuspid
very physically fit young man who of Ars Catholic Church. valve, both done by Michael Borkon,
was training for and competing in MD, cardiothoracic surgeon.
However, through the decades,
triathlons. He was out on one of his Steve has needed multiple upgrades Despite our best efforts, Steve’s
first dates with his future wife, Lisa, to his pacemaker, and he’s had two ex- heart continued to fail, forcing us to
when without any warning he passed tensive open-heart surgeries—one to default to our last best hope—cardiac
out headfirst into his salad. Steve transplantation. Now understand,
saintlukeskc.org/slcc | 816-931-1883 1
H E AR TFE LT STO R I E S
A Lifesaving Change of Heart
there may not be another surgeon in patient, before, composite metric based on patient
the country who would have shoul- during, and survival before, during, and after the
dered the responsibility of trans- after the surgery. heart transplant surgery, the average
planting a heart into a chest having Fortunately, the wait time to get a heart once a patient
suffered 32 years of accumulated heart transplant has been cleared to be on the list, and
scar tissue and altered anatomy from team at Saint the number of transplants the hospital
repeated interventions. But Dr. Borkon Luke’s is world- does each year.
had the experience and expertise in class. There are In these rankings, which are up-
cardiac transplantation, and the pro- 140 heart trans- dated every six months, Saint Luke’s
found courage to take on this difficult plant programs Dr. Michael Borkon
has consistently ranked as one of the
case. in the United top five in the nation. Dr. Borkon told
States, and their patient outcomes me, “Heart transplantation has always
are all closely monitored by a national been a team sport and it requires in-
It Takes a Village
quality supervising committee. credible commitment and dedication
It takes a village of dedicated ex-
The programs are rated on a from all. As a leader, my job has been
perts to take care of a heart transplant
to challenge everyone up to a level of
performance that ensures success.”
Heart transplant programs tend
to come and go because they are
extremely labor intensive, requiring
a large team of expert physicians,
nurses, and other support staff. The
Saint Luke’s Heart Transplant program
has been continually operating now
for over 36 years without interruption.
Among the many reasons why heart
transplant patients need close atten-
tion after surgery and for the rest of
their lives is to ensure that their immu-
nosuppressive medicines are adjusted
precisely—enough to prevent rejec-
tion of the organ but not so much that
it would leave the patient vulnerable
to infection and cancer.
Andrew Kao, MD, is the medical
director of our heart transplant pro-
gram. Dr. Kao is a bright, experienced,
and extraordinarily dedicated cardiol-
ogist who provides every patient with
exceptional care.
Getting Steve a new heart was a
race against the clock because his
heart was failing dramatically. While
Steve was on the waiting list, Dr. Kao
and Taiyeb Khumri, MD, associate di-
Dr. White with one of his furry patients. rector of the heart transplant program,
2 Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants | From the Heart
H E AR TFE LT STO R I E S
for heart failure patients is, “All in a
day’s work.” Still, Dr. Kao said that
being part of the team responsible
for dramatic lifesaving cases like
Steve’s is his highest satisfaction in
his professional life.
Steve has had his new heart for
two months now, and he is doing
remarkably well. An important fac-
tor in his phenomenal recovery is
The heart transplant team at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, led by Andrew Kao, MD, his mental toughness and resilience.
far left in the white coat, is consistently ranked as one of the top five in the nation. Steve has a strong faith, and also
has great emotional support from
admitted him to the intensive care MD, Stephanie Lawhorn, MD, An- family and friends, and many of
unit (ICU) to get a balloon pump—a thony Magalski, MD, Michael Nassif, those people were praying for him.
temporary mechanical device to help MD, Brett Sperry, MD, and Deepthi Three weeks after his surgery he
support circulation to all his major Vodnala, MD. Each one is a superb told me, “I’m so impressed with the
organs. physician with expertise in heart heart transplant team. They are a
failure. really top-notch crew of committed,
His organs were rapidly failing and
expert, caring, and compassionate
this device was necessary to keep The heart transplant surgeons
people.”
him alive before the ultimate lifesav- include Jessica Heimes, MD, and
ing gift of heart transplantation. Eric Thompson, MD, along with Dr. Steve has given so much to our
Borkon. Assisting this remarkable community through the years,
Dr. Borkon knew the transplant
cadre of physicians, is a focused team which makes us thankful to have
surgery would take much longer
of pre-transplant nurse coordinators the opportunity to reciprocate. In-
than usual because of the scar tis-
including Jennifer Carl, Julie Key, Pat cidentally, Mike and Peggy Borkon
sue in and around Steve’s old heart,
McDonald, Courtney Schmidt, and generally have about three dogs in
making it very difficult to remove
Angie Magdziak. their household, usually Labrador
the diseased organ and then to sew
retrievers, and Steve has been tak-
a healthy new one in its place. That’s Michelle Haines, MD, is the director
ing great care of their canine family
why Dr. Borkon and the transplant of the cardiovascular ICU. She and
members for 35 years.
team had to be extra picky about the her expert team are critically impor-
donated heart. It had to be the exact tant for managing the heart trans- During most of his life, Steve has
right size for Steve. plant patients in the early days after been in superb health, but his heart
surgery. This is a multidisciplinary had gotten so bad that he was “cir-
In fact, Dr. Borkon turned down
team, with important contributions cling the drain.” Without a new heart
several hearts that he felt were not
from nurse practitioners, nurses, he would very likely not be here
quite right for Steve. Dr. Kao praised
pharmacists, social workers, dieti- today, and if he were alive, he would
Dr. Borkon’s grace under fire. “It takes
tians, financial counselors, cafeteria be bedridden and debilitated. But
a lot of guts to say no to an organ
personnel, and housekeeping staff. with his new heart, he’s got his
when you’re taking care of someone
energy and enthusiasm back, and
so sick. But we knew that we couldn’t Dr. Kao also expressed gratitude to
is re-engaging in life, enjoying his
compromise on the quality of the the family members of the donors,
brand-new baby granddaughter. We
heart because the surgery was going “who display an act of ultimate
have every expectation that Steve
to be so long and difficult,” Dr. Kao generosity by deciding to donate
will thrive for decades to come and
said. their loved one’s organs at a time of
will continue to be an inspiration to
Other cardiologists besides Drs. extreme grief.”
Kansas Citians and a healer of their
Kao and Khumri on the heart trans- Dr. Kao and the rest of the cardiol- pets. It’s amazing what a difference
plant team include Bethany Austin, ogy team hold themselves to very a “change of heart” can make.
MD, Mark Everly, MD, Tim Fendler, high standards, and he said caring
saintlukeskc.org/slcc | 816-931-1883 3
H E AR TFE LT STO R I E S
Mothers Are the Unsung Heroes of Life
By James H. O’Keefe, MD, with Katie O’Keefe, MA, LPC
“The greatest lessons I have ever
learned were at my mother’s knee. All
that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my
angel mother.”
L
Abraham Lincoln
ooking at it purely from the
scientific perspective, life
on planet Earth would have
long ago gone extinct if not
for motherhood. A mother’s selfless,
unwavering love and courage often
makes the difference between life and
death for her baby.
For unconditional love, you can
count on your mother; after that, your
dog might be the next closest thing.
My wife, Joan, says that no matter Lee holding Kerry, with back row, left to right, Kevin and James; front row, left to right, Mau-
what your age, when your mother dies reen and Gigi. Katie would be born about two years after this picture was taken.
you feel like an orphan. Maybe so, but who turned out to be a wonderful took a hard right as she pulled out
our mothers and grandmothers can companion and father. of the parking lot … 2-year-old Katie
leave us a legacy of love, kindness, tumbled out the driver’s side rear door
But the fact is she was born into
and joy that can stay with us forever. that was ajar. Fortunately, Katie was
poverty. Leatrice arrived six days
A scientific survey done by the before Black Friday, the stock market wearing a puffy yellow snowsuit and
University of Richmond asked people crash that kicked off the Great Depres- landed unscathed in a snowbank. We
of all ages and from all walks of life sion. Her mother, Alice, was a hard- all shrieked in horror, but by the time
“Who is your hero?” The hands-down working though penniless seamstress Mom looked in the rear-view mirror,
winner was “my mother.” And indeed, a who raised four kids mostly alone. Katie was already on her feet and run-
strong case can be made that mothers Her father struggled with alcohol ning toward the family station wagon.
are the true heroes of life. addiction and was often homeless. Our sister, Gigi, recalled another
Our mother, Leatrice, passed away Lee was a first-born child who by age hectic time from our childhood
at age 91 on Dec. 30, 2020. She was 12 was scrubbing floors and washing when Mom was upset and frustrated
a practical, humble, down-to-earth dishes for a few of the wealthy families because of some mischief my brother,
woman. Lee treated everyone like in Crookston, Minn. The money she Kevin, and I had gotten into and she
family. With her gentle and lovely earned helped her mother keep food said in a loud voice, “I knew I should
disposition and on the table of their small, rented have been a nun!”
friendly sense apartment. Our mother, like many mothers, was
of humor, one Leatrice almost never did anything a self-proclaimed worrier. Katie asked
might think she stupid. But there was this one time Mom a few years ago, if, looking back
led a charmed during a North Dakota snowstorm on her life, she would have worried
life. And she did when she needed to pick up some so much. She looked at Katie as if she
marry the love things from Wally’s grocery store had three heads. To Leatrice, worry-
of her life—Jim before dinner and brought her six ing was only thinking of others and
O’Keefe, a hand- little kids along. After hurrying to load caring deeply about them. And she
some lawyer Leatrice O’Keefe
all the bags and kids into the car, she turned her worries into prayers. She
4 Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants | From the Heart
H E AR TFE LT STO R I E S
believed in the power of prayer and poodle mix at Wayside Waifs Rescue in
would often refer to a seemingly mi- Kansas City. Then, my sister, Kerry, and
raculous event as “Divine Providence,” I flew up unannounced and arrived at
which to her was simply an answered our childhood home to our mother’s
prayer. With her large family and many great surprise. When she saw Henri in
friends, she had a lot to pray for. my arms she said, “He’s very cute, but
Leatrice insisted on relaxing and he’s not staying!” I told her, “Mom …
enjoying life. She loved to garden, Kerry and I have round-trip tickets, but
sew, play the piano, knit, and read. Henri only has a one-way ticket.” I said
She and Jim always carved out time if needed, I’d come back by year-end,
for enjoyment—weekends at the which was just two months away, to
lake cabin, travel adventures, and of take him back to our house to live with
course, the legendary happy hour. Ev- us in Kansas City. About a month later,
erything stopped at 5 p.m. daily. That’s her Christmas card arrived in the mail.
when it was time to talk, laugh, visit Pictured were Lee with Henri perched
with friends and family. Even while on her lap, both sporting matching
she was in the hospital for the last few Christmas outfits (see adjacent photo).
Leatrice and Henri
weeks of her life, she’d whisper to us, Forest Witcraft said, “A hundred
“Can you sneak me in a beer for happy at Hardee’s, volunteering at St. John’s years from now it will not matter
hour?” Church and the Sunset Nursing Home. what my bank account was, the sort
Growing up with a loving mother In my opinion, this proclivity to es- of house I lived in, or the kind of car I
or grandmother makes the world tablish genuine emotional bonds with drove ... but the world may be differ-
seem like a more happy and secure people was the single most important ent because of the love I showed to
place, and it brings out the best in us. factor that kept her happy, healthy, a child.” A century from now the love
Leatrice had a real gift for making each and youthful throughout her long life. and caring your mother and grand-
of the people in her life feel special. Despite all my health advice, which mothers invested in you as a child will
For her, love was a verb. Her daily ac- would generally “go in one ear and out likely still be making a difference in
tions were founded in thoughtful con- the other,” Leatrice was never particu- the world. Leatrice’s lasting impact is
sideration, kindness, and generosity. larly conscientious about exercise or easily appreciated by looking at the
diet and for the first five decades of names of some of her granddaughters
Our sister, Maureen, often said of
her life she would even smoke the oc- and great-granddaughters: Bridget
our mother, “To know her, is to love
casional cigarette. But she was a star at Lee, Caroline Leatrice, Mazie Lee, Navy
her. And Leatrice had at least 12
building and maintaining meaningful, Lee, and Josie Lee.
people who thought of her as their
affectionate social connections. Near the end of 2020, Leatrice had
very best friend.” One was Louie—a
paranoid schizophrenic man who she Our mother’s favorite TV show was a cardiac arrest and had been airlifted
befriended and looked out for. He Lucky Dog, where Brandon takes a from our little hometown of Grafton,
didn’t trust anyone in the entire world forlorn pup from an animal shelter, ND, to a hospital in Fargo. She sur-
except Leatrice. Mom showed us by trains it and then finds it a forever vived it, and we were scrambling to
example that to have a friend you home. About once every decade or find the best rehab in Fargo where she
need to be a friend. two, Kevin or I would do something could be transferred.
like that and expect Mom to adopt Unbeknownst to us, however, Lee
Mothers and grandmothers are
the dog. When her dog Gus died, had a plan of her own. Having her
often the glue that bonds the family
Leatrice had just turned 80. We knew credit card number memorized, she
together. They instinctively under-
she needed another dog to keep her had called an ambulatory transport
stand that relationships are the most
company and to get her out for walks, service from her ICU bed to take her
important thing in life. Lee stayed
but Mom was insistent that she was back to Grafton, and she pre-paid for
close with her family, neighbors, and
too old for another dog. the trip. After she had it booked, she
friends, and actively engaged with her
Birthday Club, Bridge Club, exercise So, we took matters into our own told us, “I am going back home now,
class, morning coffee get-togethers hands and found a super-cute little toy
saintlukeskc.org/slcc | 816-931-1883 5
Mothers Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants
and THAT’S THAT!” She made it back to Suzanne V. Arnold, MD Anthony Magalski, MD
Bethany A. Austin, MD Michael L. Main, MD
her beloved Grafton for what would Dimitri V. Baklonov, MD Susan A. Mayer, MD
be her final weeks. This was classic Charles W. Barth, MD Justin R. McCrary, MD
Leatrice—she didn’t beat around the Timothy M. Bateman, MD A. Iain McGhie, MD
Matthew C. Bunte, MD Michael E. Nassif, MD
bush. She took charge and she remem-
Kevin A. Bybee, MD James H. O’Keefe, MD
bered her numbers! Paul S. Chan, MD Nicholas M. Orme, MD
Lee had a deep faith and many times Adnan Chhatriwalla, MD Shailja Parikh, MD
Mathew G. Deedy, MD John E. Peterson, MD
during her final weeks she would smile Michelle L. Dew, MD Riaz R. Rabbani, MD
serenely at us and say, “I’m not afraid Jonathan R. Enriquez, MD Valerie J. Rader, MD
to die.” Ken Robinson wrote, “What you Mark P. Everley, MD Brian M. Ramza, MD, PhD
Tim Fendler, MD Carlos Rivas-Gotz, MD
do for yourself dies with you when you Alan Fleddermann, MD Barry D. Rutherford, MD
leave this world, what you do for oth- Michael J. Giocondo, MD David M. Safley, MD
ers lives on forever.” Joseph A. Goeke, MD Mohammed Saghir, MD
Thomas H. Good, MD Adam C. Salisbury, MD
Leatrice, like many mothers and J. Aaron Grantham, MD John T. Saxon, MD
grandmothers, spent most of her time Anna Grodzinsky, MD Laura M. Schmidt, MD
caring for the people in her life, and Sanjaya K. Gupta, MD James E. Sear, MD
Anthony J. Hart, MD David G. Skolnick, MD
her graceful and generous spirit is still Kenneth C. Huber, MD Brett W. Sperry, MD
alive. Taylor Swift sang about her late Chetan Huded, MD Daniel A. Steinhaus, MD
grandmother, Marjorie, “What died Arun Iyer, MD Tracy L. Stevens, MD
Dany Jacob, MD Robert E. Tanenbaum, MD
didn’t stay dead. You’re still alive, so Andrew C. Kao, MD Randall C. Thompson, MD
alive in my head. And if I didn’t know Taiyeb M. Khumri, MD Deepa C. Upadhyaya, MD
better, I’d think you were talking to me Mikhail Kosiborod, MD Deepthi Vodnala, MD
Steven B. Laster, MD Alan P. Wimmer, MD
now. I know better, but I still feel you all
Stephanie L. Lawhorn, MD Omair K. Yousuf, MD
around.” John K. Lee, MD Martin H. “Tony” Zink, III, MD
For decades when people would Jason B. Lindsey, MD
compliment Leatrice on how great she Emeritus: James E. Crockett, MD, Allen Gutovitz, MD, Warren Johnson, MD, David
looked, she would say, “I wish I felt as McConahay, MD, Daniel Scharf, MD, and David M. Steinhaus, MD. In Memoriam:
good as I look.” Mom had a radiant Robert D. Conn, MD, Geoffrey O. Hartzler, MD, and Ben McCallister, MD.
beauty even up to the very end. But at Funds generously donated to Saint Luke’s
the moment she passed, it was striking Foundation by grateful patients enable us to
how her beauty suddenly vanished. I publish From the Heart and send it to more than
realized the secret behind her endur- 275,000 homes and offices. All materials are created
ing beauty was her loving and caring by our physicians solely for the education of our
spirit. patients and referring physicians and should not
be considered a substitute for medical advice. You
Kerry wrote, “Under the light of a should always talk to your health care provider for
full moon, my mom became our angel diagnosis and treatment regarding your specific
today. She retained her vitality, her medical needs.
absolute mental sharpness and sense Dr. O’Keefe
of style to the very end. She loved and James H. O’Keefe, MD
cared for her family, her friends, and Editor-in-Chief
her community fiercely.” saintlukeskc.org
So, here’s to our mothers and grand-
mothers, to whom we owe our very © 2021, Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants. All rights reserved.
existence. Mitch Albom wrote, “When
you look into your mother’s eyes, you To be added or removed from this newsletter mailing list, email Lori
know that is the purest love you can Wilson at ljwilson@saintlukeskc.org or call 816-751-8480.
find on this Earth.”
6 Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants | From the Heart
Wisdom Disguised as Humor
“When God made time, he made “Service which is rendered without “We don’t live longer when we
plenty of it.” joy helps neither the servant nor the try not to die, we live longer when
Irish saying served. But all other pleasures and we’re too busy living.”
possessions pale into nothingness Matthew McConaughey
“Give me six hours to chop down before service which is rendered in a
a tree, and I will spend the first four spirit of joy.” “The first principle is that you
hours sharpening the axe.” Mahatma Gandhi must not fool yourself—and you are
Abraham Lincoln the easiest person to fool.”
“In order to keep a true perspective Richard Feynman
“If you can’t measure it, you can’t of one’s importance, everyone should
improve it.” have a dog that will worship him and a “Any fool can learn from experi-
Peter Diamandis cat that will ignore him.” ence. The trick is to learn from other
Derek Bruce people’s experience.”
“Life shrinks or expands in pro- Bismarck
portion to one’s courage. “ “My wife kisses the dog on the lips,
Anais Nin yet she won’t drink from my glass.” “As our island of knowledge
Rodney Dangerfield grows, so does the shoreline of our
“They tried to bury us; they didn’t ignorance expand.”
know we were seeds.” “You want a friend in Washington? John Wheeler
Mexican proverb Get a dog.”
Harry Truman “It is time to let go of the past.
“I want to live my life like an in- Live consciously and you will see
candescent light bulb: burn brightly “I never feel more alone than when that this moment cannot be frag-
my entire life and then one day I’m trying to put sunscreen on my mented into past and future. The
suddenly go out.” back.” present is your only address. Here
Okinawan adage Jimmy Kimmel and now is our only abode.”
Sadhguru
“Honor those who seek the truth. “I’m at a place in my life when er-
Beware of those who found it.” rands are starting to count as going “Evolution gave us eyelids to
Voltaire out.” close our eyes but no correspond-
Anonymous ing structure to close our ears. This
“Everyone has a plan until they suggests that always listening is
get punched in the mouth.” “Always tell the truth. It’s the easiest essential to our survival.”
Mike Tyson thing to remember.” Kate Murphy
Glengarry Glen Ross
saintlukeskc.org/slcc | 816-931-1883 7
LEGAC Y O F TH E H E AR T
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Ben McCallister
I
f you’re care, including the formation of the Research.
reading this College’s National Cardiovascular Data “Dr. McCallister’s passion and drive
newslet- Registry. were contagious, with quality and pro-
ter, you’ve His commitment to cardiovascular fessionalism evident in all he did,” said
probably been research led to him being named the Tracy Stevens, MD, medical director of
a patient of one Missouri Endowed Chair and Direc- the Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart
of the many tor of Cardiovascular Research at Mid Center and one of the many cardiolo-
physicians with America Heart Institute and a Profes- gists Dr. McCallister inspired.
Saint Luke’s sor of Medicine at the University of
Dr. McCallister “When I was a medical student
Cardiovascular Missouri–Kansas City. at Saint Luke’s, the respect for Ben
Consultants, but
Through his leadership, one of the was immediately obvious. On the
do you know about the man behind
first cardiovascular outcomes research busy general surgery rotation, the
the practice, Ben D. McCallister, MD,
programs in the world was created chief resident sat me down and said,
MACC, and the legacy that he inspired
and posthumously renamed in his ‘Look—this is our motto: you eat when
during his lifetime?
honor as the Ben McCallister, MD, you can, you sleep when you can, you
Dr. McCallister was a visionary Clinical Scholars Program. His fore- don’t mess with the pancreas, and you
whose focus was on providing his sight provided subsequent genera- don’t mess with Big Ben!’”
patients with the best care possible. tions of cardiovascular researchers Dr. McCallister’s dedication went
His career in medicine began after with the support and dedicated time beyond the hospital’s walls, extending
graduating with his medical degree needed to pursue research interests, to the community at large. He contrib-
from the University of Kansas, fol- resulting in one of the premier and uted to the development of the Saint
lowed by service in the U.S. Army most academically productive car- Luke’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program.
Medical Corps based at Tripler Army diovascular research programs in the Mill Creek Park to the east of Saint
Hospital in Hawaii. United States. Luke’s Hospital on the Plaza was not
Dr. McCallister completed his In 2005, the first clinical scholar in only largely designed and developed
training in internal medicine and this program was Mikhail Kosiborod, by Dr. McCallister, but its future was
cardiology at Mayo Clinic. In 1969, he MD, now the secured through an endowed fund
left his staff position to move back to vice president of established by his fundraising efforts.
Kansas City to help create Saint Luke’s research for Saint Though Dr. McCallister’s contribu-
Cardiovascular Consultants, and co- Luke’s Health tions to his profession were many, his
found the world’s first dedicated heart System, and love for his family stood out to Dr. Ste-
hospital, Saint Luke’s Mid America co-director of vens. “I will always remember the way
Heart Institute. the Saint Luke’s Ben’s eyes lit up and the corners of his
His vision was to create a stand- Michael & Marlys mouth rose when sharing photos and
alone heart hospital equipped and Haverty Cardio- stories about his wife, Ginny, their five
staffed with all the tools necessary to metabolic Cen- Dr. Kosiborod children, and their 16 grandchildren,”
optimize outcomes for cardiovascular ter of Excellence, she added.
patients. His passion for his patients, as well as a Professor of Medicine at
“Our patients, their families, and our
for clinical research, and for the com- the University of Missouri–Kansas City.
community have all benefited from
munity, led to him being honored as a An internationally recognized the strong foundation Dr. McCallister
Master of the American College of Car- expert in the fields of diabetes and built here at Saint Luke’s,” Dr. Stevens
diology. When bestowing this title, the cardiovascular disease, he has au- said. “We may have lost our innovative
College highlighted Dr. McCallister’s thored or co-authored over 250 peer- colleague and honest friend in 2012,
leadership roles and his contributions reviewed publications and has now but we stand proudly on his shoulders
to the development of cardiovascular been named the first Ben McCallister, and remain committed to carrying on
guidelines and his initiatives in mea- MD, Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular his lifesaving vision.”
suring the quality of cardiovascular
8 Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants | From the Heart
H E AR T H E ALTHY LI FE ST Y LE
More Evidence that Omega-3 Benefits the Heart
By James H. O’Keefe, MD
T
he latest studies provide solid
evidence for the benefits of
omega-3 (fish oil) in im-
proving overall health and
longevity. An expert meta-analysis of
well-designed, randomized placebo-
controlled trials is considered the most
reliable (highest level) evidence in
modern medicine for determining the
efficacy of a drug or other therapy.
Benasconi, Lavie, and colleagues
very recently performed such a meta-
analysis, which included 42 random- My good friend, William Harris, a recent large, randomized placebo-
ized placebo-controlled trials with PhD, also known as the “cod-father” of controlled trial, the REDUCE-IT study,
approximately 150,000 participants omega-3 research, recently published 3% of the group receiving 4 grams per
in total. This definitive meta-analysis a comprehensive meta-analysis. This day of EPA (one of the major omega-3
showed that omega-3 supplementa- one was comprised of 17 prospective fats) had AFib during the study
tion conferred cardiovascular (CV) pro- cohort studies examining the associa- compared to 2% of the patients in the
tection, including a highly significant tions between blood omega-3 levels placebo group.
35% reduction in risk of fatal heart and risk for death during 16 years of Importantly, even with this increase
attack, and a statistically significant follow-up. This study, which was pub- in AFib occurrences, the omega-3
decrease in all heart attacks. These lished in one of the prestigious Nature patients had a 29% lower risk of stroke
authors concluded that omega-3 spe- journals, included 42,466 individuals, and a 25% lower risk of major adverse
cifically in the form of EPA and DHA, and found that having a high level of CV events, like heart attack or death.
is an effective lifestyle intervention omega-3 in one’s cell membranes was This increase in risk of AFib from ome-
for protection against cardiovascular associated with a 15 to 18% lower risk ga-3 appears to be dose dependent,
disease. of death from any cause. with minimal effects on AFib at doses
Another impressive new meta- Yet another new study by Dr. Harris of 1 to 2 grams/day of EPA + DHA.
analysis, this one published in the and colleagues, based on the famous For most individuals, the benefits
American Journal of Cardiology, Framingham Offspring study, reported of omega-3 far outweigh the risks,
showed that the combination of that the decrease in life expectancy especially if you don’t consume oily
omega-3 and a statin is effective for due to a low omega-3 blood level, fish like salmon or sardines at least
reducing atherosclerotic plaque in the was about equal to the life-shortening two or three times per week. Keeping
coronary arteries. The study found that effects of chronic cigarette smok- your omega-3 levels in the high-
when omega-3 supplementation was ing—about five years for either one. normal range appears to increase life
combined with a statin cholesterol- It’s important to point out that unlike expectancy, reduce risk of heart attack
lowering medication, it was better many risk factors for death or heart at- and stroke, and improve brain health.
than the statin alone for regressing tack such as age, gender, diabetes, and If you have AFib, talk to your doctor
atherosclerosis (melting plaque) and family history, your omega-3 level is about whether omega-3 is right for
decreasing the vulnerability of the very easy to change for the better. Just you; and discuss what dose of EPA +
plaque to rupture (the usual cause of eat more fish and/or take an omega-3 DHA is best for your issues.
a heart attack). The omega-3 + statin supplement.
Dr. O’Keefe is the founder and Chief
combination was also more effec- One potential downside of omega-3 Medical Officer of CardioTabs, a nutra-
tive for reducing inflammation than a is a possible increase in the risk of ceutical company.
statin alone. developing atrial fibrillation (AFib). In
saintlukeskc.org/slcc | 816-931-1883 9
H E AR T H E ALTHY LI FE ST Y LE
Drugs for Weight Loss That Also Protect
Cardiovascular Health
By James H. O’Keefe, MD
B
ill has had type 2 diabetes for a person feel full faster and longer,
over 20 years, and 11 years so they tend to eat less. These effects
ago he had a heart attack. For combine to produce dose-dependent
most of his life, he has strug- weight reduction— typically 6 to 15%
gled with obesity, which has played a of body weight is lost with the higher
major role in causing his heart disease doses stimulating more weight loss.
and diabetes. Over the past two years Wegovy, a higher dose of semaglu-
we added Ozempic and Farxiga to his tide, was just approved in June 2021
metformin, and his weight has gradu- by the U.S. Food & Drug Administra-
ally come down 30 pounds, so that tion (FDA) for weight loss. A recent
now he is no longer obese. study using this higher dose of sema-
Most importantly, he feels dramati- glutide (2.4 mg injection once weekly)
cally better and finds it easier to enjoy reported about a 15% reduction in
swimming and walking. His cholester- body weight (the average patient lost
ol and blood pressure are much better, 33 pounds). These medications must
too. Bill says, “I no longer have cravings be dosed up gradually over three to
for snacks all the time, and I’m satis- five months to minimize gastrointesti-
fied with smaller meals, like cottage Adding weight loss drugs to Bill’s medical nal side effects such as nausea, consti-
cheese and vegetables. I’m not deny- care is helping him control his weight, his pation, diarrhea, and indigestion.
diabetes, and his risk for heart disease.
ing myself treats, but I just don’t desire The second new class of medica-
them like I used to.” cians like me are prescribing more of tions associated with weight loss and
Bill is like approximately 70% of these game-changing drugs all the improved cardiovascular health are
American adults who are overweight time. the sodium glucose cotransporter 2
or obese. This is not just a vanity is- The most effective class of drugs for (SGLT-2) inhibitors. These once-daily
sue. Obesity increases risks for heart weight loss is the glucagon-like pep- oral medicines (taken as one pill each
disease, stroke, diabetes, and 13 differ- tide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. These include morning) include empagliflozin (Jard-
ent types of cancer, including breast, semaglutide (Ozempic), dulaglutide iance), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and
colon, pancreas, and kidney cancers. (Trulicity), and liraglutide (Victoza or canagliflozin (Invokana).
Encouragingly, dropping 5 to 10% of Saxenda). Among the GLP-1 agonists, The SGLT-2 inhibitors are less potent
one’s body weight through diet and we prefer semaglutide and dulaglu- at weight loss than the GLP-1 ago-
exercise has been associated with tide because these require only one nists, typically lowering body weight
decreased cardiovascular (CV) risk in injection per week, and patients can by 3% (about four to eight pounds)
obese or overweight patients. easily do it on their own at home. by causing the kidneys to excrete
Two relatively new classes of drugs These two medicines also have the approximately 300 calories of sugar
for type 2 diabetes don’t just lower best data in this drug class for weight per day in the urine, even in someone
elevated blood sugar levels, they also loss and CV protection. without diabetes. This off-loading of
produce substantial weight loss for The GLP-1 agonists suppress appe- sugar into the urine stimulates the
most overweight or obese individu- tite by mimicking a hormone that tar- body to tap into belly fat to use as a
als. Oh, did I mention that these drugs gets brain regions regulating hunger fuel for energy, resulting in weight loss
also reduce risks for heart attack, and food intake. These drugs also slow especially around the waistline.
stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, the movement of food from the stom- Here at Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular
and kidney failure? This is why physi- ach into the small intestine—making Consultants in the Haverty Cardio-
10 Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants | From the HeartH E AR T H E ALTHY LI FE ST Y LE
and maintain weight loss. All patients
in the study were obese at baseline
and were encouraged to follow a
healthy diet for inducing weight loss.
Then they were randomized into four
metabolic Center and Duboc Cardio by paying extra attention to hygiene groups, 1) liraglutide at a dose of 3 mg
Wellness Center, we use these GLP-1 (taking a bath or shower once or twice per day, 2) an exercise program (150
agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors as stan- daily) and using a wet wipe to remove minutes/week of moderate exercise or
dard treatment for our patients with any excess urine off skin surfaces after 75 minutes/week of vigorous exer-
type 2 diabetes, and increasingly we urination. These drugs also act as mild cise), 3) the combination of exercise
also use them in non-diabetic patients diuretics, causing some fluid excretion + liraglutide, or 4) placebo injections
who are overweight or obese and/or in the urine, so we encourage anyone daily.
who are at risk for developing heart starting an SGLT-2 inhibitor to stay All three active treatments—ex-
failure or progressive kidney disease. well hydrated. ercise alone, liraglutide alone, and
We are proponents of the SGLT-2-in- The GLP-1 agonists and SGLT-2 combo exercise + liraglutide, each
hibitors and GLP-1 agonists because inhibitors are newer drugs that are still significantly decreased body fat and
these drugs significantly lower future on patent so they are expensive. Met- waist measurement compared to
risks of heart attack, stroke, heart fail- formin is an old drug that dates back placebo.
ure, atrial fibrillation, and renal failure. to the 17th century, when it was used However, the reductions in weight
In several landmark studies, these as French lilac—an herbal remedy for and waistline were twice as large
benefits were conferred equally well in treating diabetes. Metformin lowers in the combo group compared to
people with and without diabetes. blood sugar by reducing the liver’s the exercise-alone group or the
When we use a GLP-1 agonist and a production of glucose, and it mildly liraglutide-alone group. At the end of
SGLT-2 inhibitor together, the patients suppresses appetite. For decades, it the one-year study, the people in the
tend to experience even better weight has been the first-line treatment for GLP-1 agonist + exercise combo group
loss than when we use either drug diabetes. lost an average of 15.7% of their body
alone. Patients taking GLP-1 agonists Metformin has also been increas- weight, which translated to a mean
and/or SGLT-2 inhibitors typically see ingly popular among non-diabetic weight loss of 37 pounds per person.
improvements in their blood pressure and prediabetic people because it In this study, the participants who
and cholesterol levels as well, and might improve overall longevity. received the GLP-1 agonist treatment
reduced levels of inflammation. This theory is being tested in a large reported more gastrointestinal side
The GLP-1 agonists are usually ongoing study. Metformin causes effects like nausea and decreased ap-
administered by injection (though we modest weight reduction that varies petite, and had gallstones more often
now have an oral form of semaglutide from person-to-person, but typically than the people in the placebo group.
called Rebelsus). As with any medica- is in the range of about four to seven We are entering an exciting new
tion, there is a risk of side effects, some pounds. The main side effect of met- era in weight management where
serious. The most common side effects form is nausea. we have safe and effective drugs that
with GLP-1 agonists are nausea, diar- We encourage people who are when used in conjunction with diet
rhea, and constipation. These usually actively trying to lose weight to and exercise, can produce substantial
improve with time, often abating after start with diet, exercise, and lifestyle and lasting loss of body fat. Talk to
the medication has been taken for a changes, including making it a priority your doctor about the risks and ben-
few weeks. Also, pancreatitis can be a to get at least seven hours of sleep efits of these therapies and whether
rare complication of GLP-1 agonists. each night. Then, if appropriate, we you might be a candidate for one of
The main side effects of the SGLT-2 can consider adding one or more of them.
inhibitors occur due to the sugar in these weight-loss medications. Dr. O’Keefe speaks at educational
the urine, so they can increase risk for A New England Journal of Medicine programs for Boehringer Ingelheim,
yeast infections of the genitals and article from May 6, 2021, reported Lily, and Astra Zeneca, makers of SGLT-2
groin regions, particularly among that a GLP-1 agonist works synergisti- inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists.
females. This risk can be minimized cally with diet and exercise to achieve
saintlukeskc.org/slcc | 816-931-1883 11H E AR T H E ALTHY LI FE ST Y LE
Keto—The Most Effective Diet for Weight Loss
James H. O’Keefe, MD
G
ary Taubes lays out the Insulin is a hormone that tells your Most cardiologists think of keto as a
scientific rationale for a body to store the calories you con- dangerous diet, and for good reason.
low-carb, high-fat diet and sume as fat around your midsection. People on a keto diet need to get 70%
lifestyle in his excellent new Taubes argues that the keto diet can or more of their calories from fat, and
book The Case for Keto. Taubes said he be an effective solution for people traditionally this has been done by
wrote this book to help “those of us who can’t lose excess weight. “Lean eating mostly foods high in saturated
who fatten easily.” And he identifies folks aren’t like us. They don’t get fat fats like cheese, butter, cream, fatty
himself in this group of people for when they eat carbohydrates; they red meat, poultry skin, and coconut
whom controlling weight is not easy. have a choice to live with carbs or not. and palm oils. These foods may help
Standard diets don’t work for many, We don’t.” you lose weight if you avoid carbs, but
in part because the modern diet is For this strategy to work, keto will skyrocket your bad LDL choles-
chock full of easily digestible and should not be a short-term diet “fix,” terol—which is a recipe for igniting
delicious carbs—aka carbage—which but a low-carb lifestyle for the long- atherosclerosis (plaque build-up) in
causes an insulin spike in your blood. term. If you keep your carb intake to your arteries and heightening your
This leads to insulin resistance, where less than about 50 grams per day, you risk of heart attack and stroke.
your brain is fooled into thinking it’s will switch your metabolic engine over But there is a healthy way to follow
starving all the time. In fact, many from a sugar-burning machine to a keto by getting most of your calories
Americans are addicted to carbs, leav- fat-burning machine. from healthy foods naturally high in
ing them constantly craving the sweet In this state you melt belly fat, and unsaturated or monounsaturated fats.
and starchy treats that are everywhere then your liver turns these fatty acids This is, unfortunately, a relatively short
in our culture. This vicious cycle makes into ketones—a super fuel that gener- list that includes nuts, seeds, avoca-
it all but impossible for many people ates more energy and throws off less dos, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon,
to lose weight and keep it off. smoke compared to sugar. Ketones trout, herring, and sardines.
Some people can get can help you think more clearly, and The other crucial part of the heart-
away with eating they also suppress hunger and keep healthy keto diet is consuming a ton
carbohydrates like insulin levels low, so you won’t be of non-starchy veggies like broccoli,
products made craving food and longing for leafy greens, onions, garlic, tomatoes,
from wheat carbs. cucumbers, peppers, mushrooms, and
(which Following the keto asparagus. Beverages ingested should
stimulate diet means largely be almost exclusively water, sparkling
the opiate eliminating sta- water, unsweetened coffee and/or tea,
receptors ples like bread, and if desired, a modest amount of
in the brain), rice, potatoes, alcohol in the form of dry (not sweet)
rice, potatoes, sweets, red wine or distilled spirits. The stan-
and foods chips, pas- dard keto diet is highly effective for
and drinks with added sugar tries, baked weight loss, and lowers blood glucose
(which are also addictive), without goods, donuts, beer, pasta, and triglyceride levels, quelling the
gaining weight, but many others can’t. and all sugary drinks (including fruit fires of chronic inflammation. The
Those who tend to have high insulin juices). Like many addictive substanc- healthy keto diet will also accomplish
levels will easily put on pounds when es, the more you “use” refined carbs, these things while generally keeping
consuming even a moderate amount the more you need them. But if you your blood cholesterol in the normal
of carbs. shun these sweet and starchy foods range.
and sugary drinks, they will lose their Many people find it easier to follow
grip over you, so that it will become a keto diet if they take a daily fiber
easier and easier to avoid them.
12 Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants | From the HeartH E AR T H E ALTHY LI FE ST Y LE
supplement like unsweetened psyl- avoided eating sugar and virtually all The specific eating style that Kristen
lium (such as Metamucil), mixed in a starchy carbohydrates, she could get follows is the low-carb, high-fat keto
large glass of cold water. This helps to by on very little insulin. lifestyle that is rich in foods like nuts,
prevent constipation that can come Kristin said, “My insulin needs are seeds, avocados, fatty fish, and extra-
from cutting out fiber-rich foods like minimal due to the healthy keto diet. virgin olive oil. It also is very high in
whole grains. Additionally, you may My daily need for short-acting insulin non-starchy vegetables, along with
need to be on a cholesterol-lowering is minimal, only 7 to 9 units (about about one-half cup of berries per
drug like a statin if your bad LDL cho- 90% less insulin than most people day—the exact diet I am proposing in
lesterol levels rise on the keto diet. with type 1 diabetes), because of the this article, and pretty close to what I
Kristin is a 56-year-old who has al- way I eat. I hate to call it the ‘keto diet’ eat myself.
ways been an exercise enthusiast and because it’s really a lifestyle that’s a To summarize, this low-carb, high-
takes very good care of herself. She is sustainable way to live a high-quality unsaturated fat eating style that is rich
of normal weight and is highly fit. Out life. You’ll have more energy and focus, in vegetables will keep your insulin
of the blue about seven years ago she with fewer cravings and less inflam- and hunger levels low and make it
developed latent autoimmune dia- mation. And a person can adhere to easier to get rid of excess baggage
betes in adulthood (LADA)—which is this diet whether they’re a lazy cook around your waistline. Ask your doctor
essentially late-onset type 1 diabetes. or a great cook. I wish more people if this type of diet might be good for
Shortly after being diagnosed with would make a conscious choice to eat you. If you get the thumbs up, give it a
diabetes, Kristin had a severe life- this way. The benefits are astounding.” try. What do you have to lose?
threatening spell of hypoglycemia Now Kristin never has low blood
(low blood sugar) triggered by an sugar spells anymore, and her he-
accidental overdose of insulin due to moglobin A1c, which is a measure
a malfunction of her insulin pump. of long-term glucose control, is
So, she decided to control her type 5.3, which would be excellent
1 diabetes predominantly with diet, even for a person WITHOUT
not insulin, a radical plan. But Kristin diabetes.
is a highly disciplined and intelligent
woman who figured out that if she
saintlukeskc.org/slcc | 816-931-1883 13H E AR T H E ALTHY LI FE ST Y LE
Saunas: A Secret Weapon for Longevity and Health?
By John Camoriano, MD,
Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz.
D
uring my integrative
medicine fellowship at the
Andrew Weil College in
Tucson, Ariz., we had an
optional activity that was offered one
night—Indian sweat lodge. Having
nothing else planned, I signed up, and
joined 10 strangers in baggy clothing
as we shuffled nervously into a low-
roofed, thatched structure made of
desert brush.
We formed a semicircle in the dark
while someone carefully loaded red
hot rocks with a shovel into a fire ring
in the center of the room. A native
“medicine man” poured water and Dr. Camoriano enjoys the benefits of sauna on a regular basis.
aromatic leaves over the red-hot coals.
The Finns are the culture with attacks, diabetes, inflammation, rest-
Our group exited the sweat lodge
the greatest national adoption of ing heart rate, exercise, and socioeco-
about 40 minutes later, relaxing in the
sauna use. Their practices vary, but in nomic status.
cool desert air, sweaty, yet strangely
general, the Finnish sauna uses a “dry But wait, there’s more! That same
refreshed and connected with one
heat” that emanates from hot stones, study showed men who had four to
another, as well as with the earth and
much like the Navajo sweat lodge. seven sauna sessions per week com-
our inner spirit. This was my introduc-
Water is poured over the sauna stones pared with those who had one sauna
tion to the benefits of sauna.
until the humidity reaches about 10 session per week had a 65% reduced
Over the centuries, many cultures to 20%, which generates more heat risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
around the world have adopted and sweat. Temperatures reach 170° to
practices of personal heat exposure in Another Finnish study showed
200° Fahrenheit, and the duration of
saunas, sweat lodges, and hot mineral that sauna also conferred benefits to
exposure typically varies from 5 to 20
springs for improving health and well- women. That study of 1,628 men and
minutes.
ness. Why has this practice popped up women followed for 15 years showed
What do the data show from long- that having regular sauna baths (four
across the globe? The short answer is,
term Finnish studies of sauna? One to seven sessions per week) compared
“because it works.”
study of over 2,300 Finnish men fol- with one sauna session per week was
A literature review in the Mayo Clinic lowed for 20 years showed that there associated with a 62% reduced risk of
Proceedings in 2018 summarized the was a dose-response (more sauna use stroke.
extensive medical research done on = more benefit) in the reduction of
sauna use. The benefits read like a Some have theorized that sauna
sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary
“Who’s Who” list of amazing super- use merely mimics the effects of
heart disease, non-fatal heart disease,
powers. Sauna use has proven benefits exercise without the effort. Indeed,
and all-cause mortality. You read that
in reducing blood pressure and lower- the heart rate of a person in a sauna
right—fewer deaths from ALL causes!
ing risks of cardiovascular death, all- can increase into the 130 beats-per-
This study was particularly convincing
cause mortality, stroke, Alzheimer’s, re- minute range. The Finns have shown,
because it controlled for other factors
spiratory disease, pneumonia, muscle however, that the effects of sauna use
that can affect heart disease like age,
pain, and arthritis. are different from and additive to the
obesity, blood pressure, cholesterol,
benefits of exercise.
smoking, alcohol use, previous heart
14 Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants | From the HeartH E AR T H E ALTHY LI FE ST Y LE
Another study evaluated 2,277 gen, and white blood cells at baseline of sauna bathing find it works like
men over 26 years for the interactive and long-term follow-up. There is magic for boosting mood, decreas-
effects of cardiovascular fitness and evidence that sauna exposure could ing stress, and improving sleep. Just
frequency of sauna bathing. It showed boost the immune system, which may make sure you rehydrate well and
that exercise and frequency of sauna partly explain why sauna baths reduce restore lost beneficial minerals like
bathing are independently associated susceptibility to common colds and magnesium and potassium after a
with a reduced mortality risk and that prevent infections in healthy individu- sauna. You can do this by drinking
a combination of good cardiovascular als. lots of water (mineral water is ideal)
fitness and frequent sauna bathing ap- It has recently been discovered that and an 8-ounce glass of low-sodium
peared to bestow additional survival a class of proteins called heat shock V8 juice. If you have heart disease,
benefits. proteins (HSP) are key proteins that talk with your doctor to get clear-
But how does it work? More protect us from Alzheimer’s by carry- ance to do sauna therapy. Start
research is needed but some clues ing damaged proteins out of the brain. slow, with lower heats and shorter
exist. Regular Finnish sauna baths are Sauna use increases these beneficial sessions. Bottom line: consider
associated with decreased levels of HSPs. adding regular sauna use to your
inflammatory markers such as high- toolbox of tricks for living a longer,
Beyond the physical health benefits,
sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrino- healthier life!
most people who develop a habit
FAME Classes Provide Foundation for Better Diet
Tracy Stevens, MD, cardiologist, and Lucas Schubert, FAME educator and
nutritional health coordinator for Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, are on a
mission—a mission to help you learn that food is powerful medicine!
Dr. Stevens, who also serves as the medical director of the Saint Luke’s Muriel
I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center, said she’s seen the difference a healthy diet
can make in her patients’ lives. Her journey to find a program the hospital could
partner with to teach these principals led her to the Food as Medicine Institute
at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Ore., and a course
called Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME).
The FAME course doesn’t focus on a diet for a specific condition, such as dia-
betes, but instead offers individuals help improving their overall health through
diet and other lifestyle changes. Since the pandemic began, the 12-week virtual
nutrition education series has been broadcast live from the FAME kitchen at
Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center.
Lucas Schubert, FAME educator and nutritional
From the comfort of your home, Lucas can teach you about foundational health coordinator, and Tracy Stevens, MD, cardi-
nutrition concepts that illustrate the benefits of a more whole-foods way of eat- ologist, in the FAME kitchen.
ing. The highlight of the class is Lucas’ guided cooking demonstrations show-
casing the ease of making delicious and nutritious meals.
In addition to cooking, the virtual series features interactive nutrition lessons. Topics include the benefits of whole foods
versus processed foods and learning about macronutrients and their food sources. Students also are taught to read food
labels, establish realistic strategies for healthy eating, learn about foods’ impact on blood sugar regulation, and acquire tips
for grocery shopping and eating on the go.
Classes are 90 minutes each, and the series lasts for 12 weeks. There is a minimal fee of $100.
For more information about the FAME courses, visit www.saintlukeskc.org/FAME. To register, call 816-932-5784.
saintlukeskc.org/slcc | 816-931-1883 15H E AR T H E ALTHY LI FE ST Y LE
When It Comes to Your Genes, Knowledge Is Power
By James H. O’Keefe, MD
W
ant to discover some
truly captivating read-
ing? Have your DNA
analyzed and you’ll
get an easy-to-read translation of the
genetic code that makes you, you.
23andMe is an American-based
personal genomics company that for
$200 out-of-pocket cost (not covered
by health insurance) will do a compre-
hensive analysis of your DNA.
To be transparent, I have no finan-
cial relationship with 23andMe, other
than ordering kits for all seven of the mix may change again as more data way down to a distant cousin, with
people in my immediate family. Then I accumulate. whom you might have only 0.08%
had to badger each of them until they 23andMe has been doing geno- shared DNA. I have 1,500 relatives
spit a few milliliters of saliva in a little typing since 2006, and by now has on my list so far. Be warned, this is
test tube and sent it back in a self- analyzed the DNA of over 12 million probably the most potentially fraught
mailer box supplied by the company. people. This is a direct-to-consumer aspect of precise DNA analysis. Many
It takes about a month until you get genetic test that screens for hundreds people discover blood relatives on
an email with a link to your genetic of genes that code for specific traits, close-by limbs of their family tree who
analysis. conditions, or diseases, including they never knew existed until they
When you go to the 23andMe web- over 55 health reports that have been had their genome analyzed.
site and sign in, you will find a treasure approved by the U.S. Food and Drug A substantial portion of people be-
trove of useful personalized genetic Administration (FDA). lieve that they would rather not know
insights and fascinating information These reports will tell you, for in- about diseases for which they might
about your ancestry and potential stance, if you have an increased risk for be at increased risk of developing in
future health issues. Alzheimer’s disease, macular degen- the future. This ostrich strategy, or
The information is all explained with eration (a preventable form of blind- “head-in-the-sand” approach is a natu-
cool graphics and suggestions about ness), breast cancer (via BRCA vari- ral tendency. In scientific jargon this is
precise steps that will help you to ants), Parkinson’s disease, or diabetes, a cognitive bias that makes us prefer
maintain ideal health as the years go just to name a few. It will also tell you to avoid information which is poten-
by. I also love that 23andMe continu- precisely where and when your ances- tially unpleasant. But forewarned is
ally updates their database and regu- tors lived, and whether you’re likely forearmed—when you know about
larly re-analyzes your DNA, probing for to have any number of traits such as a potential problem or disease that
important additional genes without early hair loss, stretch marks, muscular you are predisposed to, you can take
asking for more saliva or more money. potential to be an elite athlete, fast proactive steps to avoid coming down
metabolizer of caffeine, light sleeper, with this condition.
For instance, the precise make-up
of my ethnic ancestry has morphed fear of heights, freckles, and facial My perspective is that “genes load
through the years as 23andMe has flush with alcohol. the gun, but lifestyle/diet pulls the
refined their algorithms. Currently, If you grant 23andMe permission to trigger.” In other words, your genes
I’m 61% Irish, 25% Norwegian, 10% do so, it will give you names of DNA are virtually never your destiny; nearly
Scottish/English, 3% French, and 1% relatives who are directly related to always there are things you can do to
Native American—though I’m sure the you, such as a parent, with whom you influence whether those genes get ex-
would share 50% of your DNA, all the pressed—that is to become activated.
16 Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants | From the HeartYou can also read
