Hulk Hogan’s Legacy and Health Insights
On July 24, 2025, beloved professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, passed away at the age of 71. His death was attributed to acute myocardial infarction, or a heart attack, following his battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a history of atrial fibrillation. Despite undergoing 25 surgeries in the past decade, including a neck procedure just months prior, Hogan was known for his commitment to fitness and an active lifestyle.
His passing has reignited discussions about the importance of cardiovascular health, highlighting the notion that external appearances of fitness can sometimes be misleading.
Redefining Health in Fitness
As the director of sports cardiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, I frequently encounter individuals of varying ages and fitness levels eager to enhance their health through exercise. While many associate bodybuilders with fitness, excessive muscle mass can actually place extra strain on the heart.
The American Heart Association recognizes fitness as a critical vital sign, which should be assessed alongside more traditional indicators like heart rate and blood pressure. One effective measurement is VO2 max, which evaluates peak oxygen uptake during a cardiopulmonary exercise test. These assessments are available in many clinics and are instrumental in understanding one’s heart and overall health.
The Lifespan Benefits of Exercise
Regular exercise is a proven strategy to extend lifespan and improve health span—the period spent in good health. A significant study from the Cleveland Clinic concluded that low fitness levels pose a greater mortality risk than conventional factors like smoking or diabetes.
Fitness also plays a vital role in cognitive health. The American Stroke Association emphasizes routine exercise as a preventive measure against strokes. Moreover, the Alzheimer’s Society reports that consistent physical activity can lower dementia risk by almost 20%, with the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease doubling among those who are the least active.
Exercise further reduces the risk of specific cancers, including colon, breast, and endometrial cancers, by helping to maintain a healthy weight, regulating hormone levels, and enhancing the immune response to fight off potential cancer growth.
Guidelines for Optimal Exercise
Health organizations like the American Heart Association recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly. Moderate activities include brisk walking and doubles tennis, while vigorous activities encompass running and vigorous yard work.
A helpful metric for exercise intensity is the “talk test.” During moderate work, individuals can converse but cannot sing; during vigorous exercise, they can only say a few words before needing to catch their breath.
Research indicates that adhering to these guidelines may reduce overall mortality risk by approximately 20%. Additionally, ‘weekend warriors’—those who engage in physical activity primarily on weekends—also enjoy significant health benefits.
A recent analysis in The Lancet revealed that increasing daily steps from 2,000 to 7,000 could lower the risk of death from any cause by 47% and substantially reduce risks for heart disease and other conditions.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
Many patients wonder about the timing of starting an exercise regimen. Notably, a study involving sedentary adults aged 53 showed that just two years of consistent exercise reversed age-related heart issues, demonstrating that it’s never too late to begin prioritizing physical activity.
Importantly, one doesn’t need to be a fitness expert to reap the health benefits of exercise. Remarkably, about 75% of the cardiovascular advantages can be obtained simply by following standard activity recommendations.
In 2023, Hogan famously remarked, “I’m 69 years old, but I feel like I’m 39,” reminding us all of the positive impact fitness can have on well-being at any age.
