Monday February 5, 2001

Who's At Risk For a Heart Attack?

More than one million Americans suffer heart attacks each year. Want to know if you're at risk? We tested two typical men to find out who is more likely to have a heart attack. See if you can guess.

Thirty-six-year-old stockbroker Chris Reed is 40 pounds overweight, a weekend smoker, and he doesn't exercise regularly. He says, "I think some of the bad habits I've picked up have probably placed a toll on my heart."

In contrast 37 year old Carl Daikeler eats a healthy diet, doesn't smoke, and works out five times a week. Owner of Beach Body.com, Carl only got fit after being diagnosed with high cholesterol. He says, "All of a sudden its like I've got to take this more seriously."

So who's headed for a heart attack? For the answer we went to cardiologist Santo Polito of Glendale Memorial Hospital. The first test: a nuclear heart scan. Next, an electrocardiogram or EKG stress test.

But Dr. Polito discovers that one of these men is definitely not heart healthy. Think you know who? It's Carl! Dr. Polito says, "His odds of developing heart disease is significant."

Why? Carl says, "My family history is the inheritance from hell."

His mother and both grandfathers suffered heart attacks. So what's the reality check up? Chris can change his bad habits to stay healthy. But because of his genetics, Carl will always be at risk. Carl says, "That's life changing news."

Since his stress test Chris has started exercising, eating healthier and plans to give up those weekend cigarettes.