What's Happening?
John Adams, an 80-year-old retired engineer and co-founder of Shockwave Medical, shares his longevity habits after undergoing a heart treatment he helped develop. Adams, who initially worked on intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) to treat coronary heart disease,
underwent the procedure himself in London in 2019 due to heavily calcified arteries. The treatment, which uses sonic pressure waves to clear arterial plaque, was not FDA-approved in the U.S. at the time. Post-treatment, Adams has maintained an active lifestyle, including flying planes and racing boats. He attributes his longevity to staying physically active, keeping mentally engaged through hands-on projects, and maintaining close family relationships.
Why It's Important?
Adams' story highlights the potential of medical innovation to not only save lives but also enhance quality of life. His experience underscores the importance of early detection and treatment of heart disease, which can lead to significant improvements in health and longevity. Additionally, his lifestyle choices offer insights into non-medical factors that contribute to longevity, such as physical activity, mental engagement, and social connections. This narrative may inspire others to adopt similar habits and underscores the value of integrating innovative medical treatments with healthy lifestyle practices.
