We all know that heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, but did you know that even rock stars and classical maestros are not immune?
According to a study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, musicians face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to the general population.
Who knew that jamming out on a guitar or tickling the ivories could put such a strain on the old ticker? But it's not just the physical demands of performing and touring that are to blame.
Musicians also face unique challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, like those pesky late-night gigs and the temptation of greasy diner food at 2 a.m.
The study found that musicians had higher rates of several cardiovascular risk factors, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.
They were also less likely to engage in healthy behaviors like regular exercise and healthy eating. Looks like all that time spent backstage isn't exactly conducive to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
But fear not, music lovers! There are plenty of ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, no matter how many strings you're shredding.
Prioritizing heart health by exercising, eating well, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are all good places to start.
And if you're a musician struggling to maintain a healthy routine, remember that even Keith Richards has managed to make it this far!
So take care of your heart, whether you're a musician or not. Your body (and your fans) will thank you!
When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked?
Within a month
Within 3 months
Within 6 months
Within 12 months
As part of my mission to raise awareness about the health challenges musicians face, I am giving away free copies of my ebook 'Heart Health Checklist For Musicians' Download yours now <HERE!>
Reference:
Babić N, Tokalić R, Bijelić N, et al. Cardiovascular risk factors in musicians. J Occup Environ Med. 2016;58(12):e413-e417. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000883. PMID: 27930499.
