Ross Simpson, Jr., MD, Ph.D. – Cardiologist and Professor of Medicine at UNC School of Medicine
Men are at higher risk for heart attacks at a young age — often five to ten years earlier than women. Prevention starts with movement, good food, and seeing your doctor before it’s too late."
-Ross Simpson, Jr., MD, Ph.D.
Video Transcript
Michael Washington:
Dr. Simpson, thank you for joining us. Can you start by telling us a little about your work at UNC?
Dr. Ross Simpson:
I’m Ross Simpson, a clinical cardiologist at the University of North Carolina. For me, it’s all about the heart — and really about preventing heart attacks and strokes before they happen.
Michael Washington:
When it comes to men’s health, do most of your patients come to you for prevention, or is it usually after something’s already gone wrong?
Dr. Simpson:
Unfortunately, most of the time, it’s after the fact. I do see some men who are very health-conscious, but they’re the minority. The reality is, men are at higher risk than women for heart attacks at a young age.
We don’t know exactly why, but men tend to have heart attacks five to ten years earlier than women. Over a lifetime, the overall rates are similar, but for men, those early events can be devastating. It’s often tied to poor lifestyle choices, unmanaged blood pressure, not taking prescribed medication, and simply not seeing a doctor often enough. In short, men are the vulnerable group here.
Exercise, Diet, and Lifestyle
Dr. Simpson:
The most important thing — for everyone — is exercise. We’re learning that even modest, consistent activity makes a real difference. It doesn’t mean you have to join a gym or run marathons. It means staying active — walking, moving, doing things that are appropriate for your age and lifestyle.
Next is a sensible diet. You can’t live on red meat alone. Eat your vegetables — and that’s not a joke. Have balance in your meals. Limit saturated fats, processed foods, and sugar.
And of course, don’t smoke. Smoking changes everything — it’s one of the most dangerous habits for your heart. Whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco, the risk of heart attack goes way up. The good news? If you quit, your risk can return to normal within about two years.
Genetics and Early Detection
Dr. Simpson:
Another big factor is genetics — especially when it comes to cholesterol. If your father or grandfather had a heart attack at a young age, you might have what’s called familial hypercholesterolemia — a genetic condition that leads to extremely high cholesterol levels.
If your parent had it, you have about a 50% chance of carrying the same gene. The earlier you know, the better. When we catch it early, we can manage it with low doses of medication — or sometimes just with lifestyle changes. But if it’s not detected until your 40s or 50s, it usually means stronger medicines or even more advanced treatments are needed.
The technology and treatments we have now are amazing — from statins like Lipitor and Crestor to newer injectable drugs that can dramatically lower bad cholesterol. We can bring LDL levels from over 230 down to 80. It’s really remarkable progress.
Diet, Triglycerides, and Hidden Risks
Dr. Simpson:
There’s one more piece people often overlook — triglycerides. High triglycerides are extremely common, especially among men who work hard, drink a lot of sweet tea or soda, and eat heavy carb-based meals. Sweet drinks are a real problem here in North Carolina.
I always tell patients: don’t drink your carbs. That means cutting back on sweet tea, soda, and sugary drinks. Crackers, chips, pasta, mashed potatoes — all fine in moderation, but if you’re eating or drinking them constantly, your triglycerides will skyrocket, and you’ll struggle to lose weight.
The truth is, your medications won’t work as well unless your diet is under control. It’s simple: drink water, eat balanced meals, and walk every day — aim for 6,000 to 10,000 steps. Those small habits can lower your triglycerides, reduce your need for medications, and dramatically improve your heart health.
A Simple Formula for Heart Health
Dr. Simpson:
At the end of the day, prevention is simple. Cut out sugary drinks. Drink water. Move your body. You don’t have to overthink it — walking alone makes a big difference.
If you want to exercise more intensely, that’s even better, but for most people, it starts with small, consistent steps. Use a pedometer or smartwatch to keep track — let it guide you a little. These small, daily actions really do save lives.