Here's to Life^™ Free Heart Health Program

Heart to Heart

Get to know…Dr. James Rippe

Dr. James M. Rippe, M.D., is founder and director of the Rippe Lifestyle Institute. Dr. Rippe is considered one of the leading authorities on preventive cardiology in the United States. He has written over 25 books, including Lifestyle Medicine.

Q. Why did you become a doctor?

A. I became a doctor because it seemed the most direct way of helping other people and fulfilling my life goal of making the world a better place for other individuals.

Q. Can you think of a patient who made a positive heart healthy change in their life?

A. One individual, who I saw last month, had very significant risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Over the last year, he's lost 119 pounds! He has cured his diabetes and significantly reduced his risk factors for heart disease. He said "Thank you for giving me back my life." I responded, "You gave yourself back your life through your own actions. You embodied all five Pillars of Health."

Q. What is your best heart health habit? Your worst?

A. My best heart health habit is that I have been engaged in lifelong fitness programs and exercise on a daily basis. My worst has to do with the fact that I have a sweet tooth and like to eat too many desserts!

Q. What is the best part of your job?

A. The best part of my job is the opportunity to truly make a difference in other people's lives and help them achieve their health goals.

Q. What is the one thing that you wish more people would do for their heart? A. To understand that daily lifestyle practices and habits have a profound impact on their cardiovascular health. Probably the single, most important thing is to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderately intensive physical activity on most, if not all, days.