MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis doctor who had a major health scare is practicing what he preaches to his patients when it comes to heart health.
Dr. J.O. Patterson with Midtown Internal Medicine said he had been living an unhealthy lifestyle, and it finally caught up with him a year ago when he had a heart attack.
“Ironically, I was at a fundraiser called the ‘Works of the Heart,’ and I started getting short of breath and I had some nausea.”
Dr. Shawn Hayden, his medical partner and friend, was also at the event and called 911.
About 30 minutes after having chest pains Dr. Patterson was in a Cath lab getting a stent.
“Seeing Dr. Patterson that night, I was scared, I am not going to lie. When it’s happening in front of you, to a colleague. Doctors feel immune to disease and immune to health problems,” Hayden said.
Since the heart attack, Patterson and Hayden have both started eating healthier and exercising more.
Patterson has lost around 40 pounds, and Hayden has lost nearly 60.
Hayden said about 20 of his patients have also been losing weight with him.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S.
Patterson said there are things you can do to prevent it.
“Exercising can really cut your risk of dying from heart attacks in half. So, of all the things you can do, the single most important thing is exercising. You don’t have to run a marathon, you can just walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week ,” Patterson said.
You are at risk of heart disease if you have a family history of diabetes or hypertension.
The symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting.
Women may also experience back or jaw pain.