"Second Opinion" with Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz MD & Luba Greenwood JD

Dr. Jeff Wessler on longevity: heart attacks aren't random

11 snips

Apr 9, 2025

Dr. Jeff Wessler, cardiologist and CEO of Heartbeat Health, dives into the pivotal role of preventative measures in cardiovascular wellness. He discusses the myth that heart attacks are random, shedding light on advancements in diagnostic technology. The conversation explores the challenges and complexities of behavior change post-heart events and the skepticism surrounding digital health solutions. Wessler also highlights the groundbreaking C15 fatty acid, its health benefits, and the impact of AI in discerning health information, especially for longevity-driven health strategies.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Heart Attacks Are Predictable

Heart attacks are almost completely predictable with current diagnostic technology.
The public wrongly perceives heart attacks as random sudden events.

INSIGHT

Tech Alone Doesn't Change Behavior

Tech is not a magic solution to behavior change in cardiovascular health.
Despite more tech, cardiovascular outcomes have worsened, showing tech alone can't fix health behaviors.

ADVICE

Use Tech to Access Clinical Care

Technology improves access to clinical care, enhancing management of conditions like blood pressure and diabetes.
Patient-clinician interaction augmented by tech is key to improving cardiovascular health outcomes.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode, Christina Farr sits down with Dr. Jeff Wessler, cardiologist and CEO of Heartbeat Health, about the challenges of behavior change in cardiology, the role of technology in health, the importance of preventative measures, and the emerging trend of longevity-focused health interventions.

—

📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess

—

SPONSORS:

🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.

👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today.

—

LINKS:

Heartbeat Health: https://www.heartbeathealth.com/

Why is longevity suddenly so hot?: https://secondopinion.media/p/why-is-longevity-suddenly-so-hot

—

FOLLOW:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-wessler/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/

—

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:

Heartbeat Health is a large medical group with cardiologists and other practitioners providing telehealth and remote diagnostics across the US.
Jeff is skeptical about technology's role in behavior change for cardiovascular health, noting that despite more tech, outcomes in cardiovascular disease have worsened.
Jeff explains that heart attacks are largely predictable, contrary to popular belief that they are random events.
Modern diagnostic technology can identify risk factors and provide feedback loops that show whether interventions like diet and exercise are working.
The longevity trend represents a shift from the traditional model where doctors simply tell patients to improve their lifestyle to one where patients can test interventions and see measurable results.
Jeff identifies different types of prevention: primordial (preventing risk factors), primary (preventing heart attacks in those with risk factors), secondary (preventing subsequent heart attacks), and tertiary (reducing complications).
Current longevity programs reach thousands when they need to reach millions to make a meaningful impact on cardiovascular outcomes.