It's not a good thing that Regis Philbin must undergo heart bypass surgery to repair blocked arteries. But the day-time talk show host's recent announcement about his impending surgery serves an important purpose in that it turns the national spotlight on the nation's No. 1 killer, heart disease.
Philbin, host of "Live With Regis & Kelly," sought a physician's care after experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath for weeks. He has undergone angioplasty twice in the last 14 years and had surmised he would have yet another procedure. Instead, he requires major surgery and plans to be away from his daytime talk show for at least five weeks.
The energetic Philbin, who also in recent years hosted the game shows "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and "America's Got Talent," appears fit and healthy. But he's 75 years old, and the risk of heart disease increases with age. According to the American Heart Association, men have a greater risk of heart attack than women. Other risk factors include genetics, race, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes mellitus. Stress may also play a role.
Although Philbin's case brings attention to heart disease and men, it is also the leading cause of death among women. Women are more likely to die of heart attacks, possibly because they delay seeking medical help.
Aside from genetics, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help prevent heart disease, such as losing weight, controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, committing to regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake and not smoking. These measures can help stave off many other diseases, too.
As the nation awaits word of Philbin's successful surgery and full recovery, Americans would do well to investigate their matters of the heart and, likewise, embark on the path to better health.