WHY IS OPTIMAL FUNCTION OF THE HEART IMPORTANT
WITH DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI
By FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
We have in the house today a cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgeon. His name is Dr. Augustine Olugbemi, and he’ll be talking to us about the heart—one of the most vital organs in the body.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
Hello Dr. Augustine Olugbemi, welcome to Success Fame Media.
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
Thank you very much. It’s good to be here.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
Doctors are usually so busy. How do you balance time for yourself and others?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
We try as much as possible, but it’s not easy—especially in my field. There are very few of us, and there’s a lot of work. Often, your mind is focused on the patients. We are very passionate about helping people live healthy lives.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
You’re a successful cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgeon. That’s not an easy feat. Can you tell us about your journey?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
I’ve always wanted to be a doctor since primary school. I used to hunt lizards, dissect them, and try to understand their anatomy. That passion stayed with me. I didn’t get medicine immediately, so I studied Microbiology, completed my youth service, and then reapplied to study Medicine at the University of Lagos. After qualifying, I did my housemanship, worked while waiting for residency, then started residency, which took about 8 years—split between Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and the USA. Eventually, I became a consultant.
It was a long and tough journey—about 26 years. The last 18 years were very demanding, and the last 12 years have come with immense responsibility. Many times there was no money, and people had to support me. But determination and focus kept me going. Today, I perform surgeries on the heart, lungs, diaphragm, and blood vessels, especially for children with heart defects.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
What does it truly mean to connect with a patient?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
It’s beyond the illness. We connect with the patient and their families. When you’re treating a married patient, the spouse matters. The children matter. Finances matter. It’s a holistic connection.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
How do you explain what a cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgeon does to someone unfamiliar with the term?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
“Cardio-thoracic” has three components:
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Cardiac: Everything related to the heart.
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Thoracic: The lungs, diaphragm, esophagus, and chest cavity.
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Vascular: All blood vessels (except those in the brain, which neurologists handle).
We handle diseases requiring surgical care, with emphasis on the heart.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
What causes blockages in blood vessels, and how can they be avoided?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
Let me break it down. There’s a difference between heart failure and heart attack.
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Heart Failure is when the heart cannot pump blood effectively, due to issues with its chambers, valves, or electrical system. Even lung or kidney disease can lead to heart failure.
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Heart Attack is a sudden event caused by blocked arteries (plaques) that stop blood from reaching the heart. This can cause chest pain and collapse.
Causes include:
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Alcohol
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Poor diet
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Sedentary lifestyle
Plaques can also block vessels in the legs or kidneys, causing additional issues.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
How can heart failure and heart attacks be prevented?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
By living a healthy lifestyle:
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Eat right
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Exercise regularly
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Stay hydrated
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Sleep well
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Get regular check-ups
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Be aware of your family’s medical history
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
What causes heart failure in newborns?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
It can be genetic or caused by a mother’s exposure to chemotherapy or radiation in the first trimester. Some causes are unknown (idiopathic). Some heart conditions are manageable, while others may not be compatible with life.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
Can heart defects be detected or treated in the womb?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
Not treated, but detected. Obstetricians can monitor a fetus through regular scans to prepare parents for what’s ahead, including surgery after birth.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
What’s your advice for men who don’t exercise due to a busy lifestyle?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
Once you hit 40, go for annual checkups. Check:
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Blood pressure
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Blood sugar
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Kidney/liver function
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ECG
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PSA (for prostate health)
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Chest X-ray
Also, have a social life. Don’t be consumed with work. And above all, build a relationship with God.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
What’s your pathway to success?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
God first. Then determination and focus. The distractions in today’s world—social media, financial issues, etc.—can derail you. But with faith, discipline, and support, you can make it.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
What’s your personal mantra?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
“Life is beautiful despite its challenges. Focus on the positives and you’ll see how good life truly is.”
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
What advice would you give students and patients who want to pursue your path?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
To patients: We are here to give hope. When patients see doctors, they should see hope.
To students: Medicine is not for the faint-hearted. You need focus, determination, and a strong study ethic.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
Why are you so confident that dreams come true?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
Because of the God factor. God instructs, directs, and empowers. If you remain focused and determined, your dreams can come true.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
Any final advice for staying heart-healthy?
DR. AUGUSTINE OLUGBEMI:
Your life depends on your heart’s health. A strong heart means a strong life.
A good life is not defined by wealth but by:
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Eating well
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Having strong relationships
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Living peacefully
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Resting well
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Getting regular medical checkups
Don’t self-medicate—see a doctor when you’re sick. Follow your prescriptions seriously.
FAVOUR OSHIOBUGIE:
Thank you so much, Dr. Augustine Olugbemi. It’s been a pleasure having you.
Now you’ve heard it all from the expert. Take action, take care of your heart—and live well.
God bless you.
