A Man Lived Over 100 Days With a Titanium Heart. What If He's the Future of Medicine?
Millions of people around the world suffer from heart failure with not nearly enough donors to go around.
A new life-saving titanium device called the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH) recently kept a patient alive for more than 100 days while awaiting a donor heart.
Although designed as a stop-gap device for would-be heart donor recipients, the titanium heart could be a future permanent heart replacement for those too old or sick to undergo a transplant.
Being a man with a heart of stone isn't usually a compliment, but a heart of titanium, on the other hand, might just save your life. At least that's true for one particular Australian man who lived with an artificial titanium heart while waiting for a match for a heart transplant. According to St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney in Australia, the man eventually received that heart and is recovering well.
The patient was the sixth person to ever receive the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH), the first to do so in Australia, and also the first to live with the device for more than a month, but he didn't stop there—his titanium ticker was pumping blood for more than 100 days. That's particularly impressive as the mechanical device was initially designed as a stopgap measure as patients with heart failure wait for a donor heart—and those waiting lists can be long.According to Nature, 7 million adults live with heart failure in the U.S. alone yet only 4,500 heart transplants were performed in 2023. That leaves many millions across the globe in need of short-term solutions while waiting for a heart, and it appears BiVACOR can help in the most severe circumstances.
The five previous trials of the device, all in the United States, also were successes though they featured earlier versions of the device that weren't designed for at-home support. The first device was implanted on July 9, 2024, at The Texas Heart Institute.
'Utilizing advanced MAGLEV technology, our TAH brings us one step closer to providing a desperately needed option for people with end-stage heart failure who require support while waiting for a heart transplant,' Daniel Timms, the CTO of BiVACOR, said after the successful implantation in July.
Suitable for most men and women, this small device uses a titanium biventricular rotary pump that, as Timms describes, contains a magnetically levitated rotor that pumps blood and therefore replaces the need for the failing heart's ventricles. This MAGLEV technology ensures that there's no wear-and tear of the device, a defect that could prove fatal for someone relying on the titanium heart, or incidences of blood trauma.[WHOEVER TOP EDITS, READ THAT LAST SENTENCE. DOESNT THAT NOT MAKE SENSE? FEEL WE CAN JUST CUT]
The TAH is currently only a short-term solution for those with heart failure, but that may not always be the case. In some cases, patients who are too old or sick for a transplant could use the BiVACOR TAH as a permanent replacement. However, Nature notes that the device still needs to go through trials for such an application.
'Many end-stage heart disease patients are actually too sick to qualify for heart transplants,' heart surgeon Jacob N. Schroder, surgical director of Advanced Heart Failure at Duke, who performed the second BiVACOR TAH operation in November 2024, said in a press statement. 'Current technologies are effective for some patients but still leave others without options. Having another way to bridge a path to transplant would fill a tremendous void and truly be a lifesaver.'
For now, BiVACOR TAH is only accessible in clinical trials approved by the FDA, and the Australian implantation is part of Monash University's Artificial Heart Frontiers Program that aims to commercialize life-saving heart failure devices. BiVACOR TAH isn't quite like the flexible membranes that made up replacement hearts in the past, but its six-for-six winning streak certainly has cardiologists and surgeons around the world taking notice.
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Functional Lab Tests Are Everywhere. But How Many Biomarkers Do You Really Need Tested To Be Healthy?
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." It may feel nearly impossible to scroll through social media these days without seeing ads for trendy, pricey functional medicine subscription services and at-home tests that promise to unlock key health insights—all from your bloodwork. These tests claim to decode your biomarkers, which are essentially data points that hint at what's going on in your body. Ordering one of these functional bloodwork panels might sound tempting if you want quick answers for hard-to-solve health problems—but not everyone needs them. If you have a primary care provider (PCP) you're probably getting an annual standard or 'traditional' label panel at your physical that's often covered by insurance. This typically includes complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and a basic cholesterol panel, says Allie Buttarazzi, MD, an internal and lifestyle medicine physician at Maine Street Medical. 'These tests are widely used in conventional medicine and include about 30 markers in total—for example, glucose, sodium, and potassium in a CMP, or hemoglobin and white blood cells in a CBC,' she says. Meet the experts: Allie Buttarazzi, MD, is an internal and lifestyle medicine physician at Maine Street Medical. Pooja Gidwani, MD, is a board-certified physician in internal and obesity medicine and concierge doctor focused on hormones, longevity, and weight optimization. Eleanor Yusupov, DO, is an assistant professor at New York Institute of Technology's medical school in Old Westbury, New York. Functional lab tests, on the other hand, can include up to hundreds of biomarkers, and usually aren't covered by insurance, making them pretty pricey. 'These tests might look at hormone metabolites, nutrient levels, inflammation markers, gut microbiome diversity, or advanced cardiometabolic risk factors,' Dr. Buttarazzi says. They also include biomarkers that aren't yet supported by strong clinical evidence, so 'some results may fall into a gray zone—not necessarily harmful, but not proven helpful, either,' she adds. Still, many people are turning to companies like Function Health and InsideTracker to optimize their health and uncover the root of their symptoms 'after traditional panels have left them feeling dismissed, confused, or without real solutions,' says Pooja Gidwani, MD, a board-certified physician in internal and obesity medicine and concierge doctor. But do you actually need to invest in an extensive lab test on your own, or does your normal PCP's bloodwork suffice? Ahead, doctors break down which biomarkers you actually need to have tested and what to consider before paying for an expensive lab service. Do I actually need to get a comprehensive biomarker panel done? 'It's important to perform comprehensive lab tests periodically (at least once a year) for most adults, and testing done by primary care doctors is usually sufficient for most people,' says Eleanor Yusupov, DO, an assistant professor at New York Institute of Technology's medical school in Old Westbury, New York. The purpose of a traditional lab is just different from a functional one. 'Basic lab panels are often enough when we're screening for common, silent risk factors—like high cholesterol or early signs of metabolic disease,' Dr. Buttarazzi says. 'These standard tests are designed to catch problems that don't usually show symptoms until they're more advanced, which makes them useful for general screening.' However, exploring other biomarkers in-depth can provide additional insight that typical tests might miss. 'Traditional panels are a great starting point, but they're often focused on detecting or preventing disease, not assertively optimizing health,' or diving further into how your biomarkers might impact your energy, cognition, sleep, and stress, Dr. Gidwani says. Traditional labs may also not be sufficient for people with specific health conditions, like heart disease, anemia, or diabetes, Dr. Yusupov adds. In these cases, you'll probably need to have your doc order more tests specific to your condition. If you have persistent, unexplained symptoms, a unique diet or medical history, or you're simply getting older, comprehensive testing might help fill in the gaps, Dr. Buttarazzi says. 'For example, I routinely check vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron in my patients who eat a predominantly plant-based diet. These nutrients are either less available in plant-based forms or are harder to absorb,' Dr. Buttarazzi says. She also keeps an eye on these markers in older adults since nutrient absorption naturally declines with age. 'I see comprehensive testing as a way to personalize care—not to replace evidence-based screening, but to go deeper when needed,' she says. But if you feel fine, your annual check-up bloodwork panel will likely suffice, and there's no need to go for a more comprehensive one, especially because many of the tests offered by companies like Function Health—for example, glucose levels, calcium, kidney, liver and thyroid function tests, HIV, testing for sexually transmitted infections—are routinely recommended by primary care physicians and gynecologists anyway, says Dr. Yusupov. (However, your doctor may not automatically order those specific labs, so you have to request them—and in many cases, the patient needs to have a specific health concern for which a certain test is necessary.) If you want extensive labs done, the key is to clarify your intention and the goal behind them—and make sure you're evaluating everything in context with a trusted provider. 'I don't recommend using programs that run hundreds of tests without understanding your history, symptoms, or goals, and especially those that don't even include a consultation,' says Dr. Gidwani. 'Without proper guidance, you end up with information overload, anxiety, and no clear next steps.' Overall, the goal should be tailoring your labs to your body, conditions, concerns, and what insights you're hoping to gain. Who's a good candidate for additional biomarker testing? If you've already done traditional panels and you're still confused, frustrated, or don't have solutions for a specific health issue, you may be a good candidate for additional labs, Dr. Gidwani says. You can also benefit if you simply want to learn about your health. 'I use these panels most often for people who want to be proactive (not just reactive or preventive), those who are looking beyond symptom relief, and people aiming for prevention, performance, and longevity,' she adds. Anyone in their 30s through 60s who wants to boost longevity Professionals, parents, or people under chronic stress People recovering from chronic illness or long COVID Women in perimenopause feeling dismissed by the traditional system People with strong family history of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and/or autoimmune disease Anyone dealing with vague, but persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or unexplained weight gain despite 'normal' traditional labs People who want to protect their energy, focus, and resilience as they age "The common thread is that these panels give us visibility into early dysfunction, help personalize interventions, and allow us to act before problems become diagnoses,' Dr. Gidwani says. Which biomarkers are worth testing? Again, sticking to a traditional panel at your PCP is usually fine. But if you do opt for extra labs, here are a few biomarker categories that may deliver some clinical insight: Metabolic Health Fasting insulin and glucose: For these, you can look at Homeostasis Model Assessment-estimated Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Dr. Gidwani says. This can help detect early insulin resistance, which is one of the most important markers of aging and metabolic health. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): This represents your average blood sugar over the last 90 days, which can be used to diagnose diabetes. FYI, you can have a normal HbA1c and normal glucose, but also testing for insulin can provide more context and show if you're insulin resistant, Dr. Buttarazzi says. Triglycerides and HDL ratio: High triglycerides can indicate insulin resistance, and your total cholesterol to HDL ratio captures cholesterol, which is another indicator of metabolic health and cardiovascular risk, Dr. Gidwani says. Uric acid: Created when your body breaks down chemicals in food and drinks, most uric acid dissolves, passes through your kidneys, and leaves your body as urine. Too much uric acid can be related to kidney conditions and gout, per Dr. Gidwani. Cardiovascular Risk and Lipid Particle Analysis Apolipoprotein B: Reflects the total number of atherogenic particles, which can promote the development of plaque that blocks your arteries, per Cleveland Clinic. It's partially impacted by genetics, but it's also highly responsive to diet, exercise, and medications like statins and other meds that help lower LDL cholesterol, Dr. Gidwani says. Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1): ApoA1 is the main protein carried in HDL cholesterol (the 'good' one), and measuring it can help your doctor detect your risk for heart disease. You might need this test if you know you're at risk for heart disease, or if you've already had heart problems, like a heart attack, per the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). Like ApoB, your ApoA1 can be influenced by genetics, exercise, and nutrition, Dr. Gidwani says. Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a): Lp(a) is a genetically-inherited LDL-like particle that is strongly associated with cardiovascular risk, Dr. Gidwani says. Elevated levels of Lp(a) can indicate increased risk of heart disease, but you can have high Lp(a) even if you have a healthy lifestyle, and many people don't have symptoms, per the American Heart Association (AHA). Although Lp(a) doesn't change over your lifetime and only needs to be checked once, it provides more information than a traditional lipid panel, so it's still important for people at high risk of cardiovascular disease, Dr. Yusupov says. If you have a personal family history of heart disease or known family history of high Lp(a), it may be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional and get it checked out since it factors into your overall risk, per the AHA. These biomarkers are also important for women who are moving from perimenopause to menopause, says Dr. Buttarazzi. 'Just that drop in estrogen is going to cause some markers to go up for the very first time.' Estrogen acts as a 'traffic controller' for helping your liver clear out 'bad' cholesterol, she says, and estrogen can also help keep Lp(a) in check—so when estrogen drops, Lp(a) levels can rise. Inflammation and Aging Markers High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP, or hs-CRP): CRP rises when there's inflammation in the body. Glycoprotein acetylation (GlycA): Elevated GlycA can indicate systemic inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6): This biomarker may be associated with frailty and aging, including sarcopenia (muscle loss), impaired immune function, reduced resilience to stressors like illness or surgery, and increased risk of chronic disease, Dr. Gidwani says. 'When we see persistently elevated IL-6, it may suggest that the body is in a chronic inflammatory state that contributes to vulnerability, fatigue, reduced physical capacity, and slower recovery, which are all hallmarks of frailty,' she explains. Hormonal and Adrenal Health Estradiol (E2), progesterone, and testosterone (free and total): These markers can offer valuable insights about hormonal health, especially during perimenopause when hormone levels are changing, says Dr. Gidwani. Estradiol (E2) gives the clearest picture of a woman's active estrogen levels, especially during their reproductive years and throughout perimenopause, Dr. Gidwani adds. Looking at testosterone and progesterone can also help explain a wide range of symptoms, from mood shifts and sleep disturbances to irregular cycles, she says. What about fertility? The above biomarkers may offer valuable insight into fertility, but their usefulness depends heavily on timing and context, Dr. Gidwani says. For example, estradiol is typically measured early in your cycle to assess ovarian function, while progesterone is measured after ovulation. Testosterone doesn't directly determine fertility, but it may influence libido, energy, and ovulatory health, especially if you have PCOS where elevated testosterone can interfere with your cycle, she explains. That said, in perimenopausal women, estradiol and progesterone become less reliable as fertility markers, and a single lab test may not reflect true ovulatory function or ovarian reserve, Dr. Gidwani says. 'In these cases, more comprehensive testing is often needed, including anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and ultrasound-based antral follicle count,' she says. In particular, AMH reflects the number of remaining eggs and is one of the most consistent markers of ovarian reserve across the cycle, she says.'When interpreted together, these labs can help provide a fuller picture of reproductive health, though no single test can determine fertility on its own,' Dr. Gidwani says. Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S): This hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, is helpful for assessing adrenal health and stress resilience, says Dr. Gidwani. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG): SHBG can influence hormone availability, Dr. Gidwani says. 'If SHBG is too high (even if your total hormone levels look normal), you may still experience symptoms of deficiency like fatigue, low libido, mood changes, or weight gain, because not enough of those hormones are free and active,' she says. Conversely, low SHBG can be associated with insulin resistance or androgen excess. 'SHBG provides essential context that allows us to interpret hormone levels accurately and tailor treatment more precisely during perimenopause or other hormone shifts,' Dr. Gidwani says. Cortisol: This biomarker can be useful for diagnosing conditions like Cushing's syndrome (when your body has too much cortisol) and Addison's disease (not enough cortisol), per Dr. Buttarazzi. But because cortisol levels change throughout the day and several factors can influence it—like stress, physical activity, medications, and sleep—having an abnormal cortisol result doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical condition, per Cleveland Clinic. Make sure to opt for timed cortisol testing, which evaluates your cortisol rhythm throughout the day to give you a sense of the patterns that affect your energy, sleep, and recovery, Dr. Gidwani says. Thyroid Function Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): TSH is produced by your pituitary gland, and it's a standard screening marker that can give you a better sense of your thyroid health, says Dr. Gidwani. High TSH can indicate hypothyroidism and low TSH can indicate hyperthyroidism, per Cleveland Clinic. Free T3 and Free T4: TSH alone doesn't always give you the full picture of how well your thyroid is functioning, Dr. Gidwani says—so you should also test Free T3 and Free T4 (which indicate your active thyroid hormones) to get a fuller, more detailed picture. 'Free T3 and Free T4 are the active forms of thyroid hormone that directly affect your metabolism, energy levels, mood, and cognitive function,' Dr. Gidwani says. Your 'TSH could be normal while Free T3 is low, which might explain fatigue, brain fog, or weight changes,' she says. Reverse T3: Testing this marker can help identify hypothyroidism or stress-related suppression, Dr. Gidwani says. TPO and TG antibodies: These are early markers of autoimmune thyroid disease, per Dr. Gidwani. Micronutrient and Cellular Health Vitamin D: Optimal vitamin D levels support immune function, hormonal health, bone strength, insulin sensitivity, and even mood regulation, Dr. Gidwani says—and chronically low levels have been linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, metabolic syndrome, and depression. It may even help reduce risk of dementia. Checking vitamin D levels is also recommended for people with low bone mass (osteopenia or osteoporosis) and kidney disease, says Dr. Yusupov. : This one's essential for red blood cell production and neurological health. 'Deficiency can cause fatigue, cognitive changes, and nerve symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or even electric shock-like feelings,' says Dr. Gidwani. Checking your B12 is important for memory, energy, and it can be especially helpful for vegans (since B12 is not naturally found in plants) and people who have had weight loss surgery (who may be more susceptible to deficiency), she says. Folate: Also known as vitamin B9, folate works with vitamin B12 and is another marker that plays a role in reducing cardiovascular risk. Methylmalonic acid (MMA): Even if your vitamin B12 levels are normal, it doesn't always reflect whether your cells are able to use it. A methylmalonic acid (MMA) test, which indirectly measures how well vitamin B12 is working in the body, can help catch deficiency early. 'That's why MMA is especially helpful when symptoms are present but standard B12 levels look fine,' Dr. Gidwani says. Magnesium: It supports enzymes involved in metabolism, blood sugar regulation, muscle function, and sleep, Dr. Gidwani says. More daily magnesium has also been linked to lower dementia risk. 'Deficiency can contribute to fatigue, insulin resistance, headaches, and anxiety, yet it's often missed in routine bloodwork,' she adds. index: This biomarker is 'strongly predictive of cardiovascular and cognitive health,' says Dr. Gidwani. Low levels are associated with chronic inflammation, depression, and neurodegenerative risk, but it's easy to improve with targeted nutrition, she adds. Iron: This essential mineral is key for the production of red blood cells. Low iron stores can affect your energy, thyroid function, and exercise capacity, Dr. Gidwani says. Ferritin: High ferritin can reflect inflammation or hemochromatosis (known as iron overload), which can cause serious damage to your heart, liver, pancreas, and even your joints, per Cleveland Clinic. Total iron binding capacity (TIBC): TIBC can also help diagnose iron overload and iron-deficiency anemia, per Cleveland Clinic. So what about my biological age score? Functional labs can sometimes calculate your biological age, which supposedly tells you how 'old' you are based on your bloodwork or a saliva test. Technically, biological age results are determined by looking at telomere length (DNA at the end of a chromosome) and by examining your 'epigenetic clock'—an analysis of your DNA patterns to help you see if you're truly aging slower or faster than your chronological age suggests, Dr. Gidwani says. But many companies estimate biological age by a combination of biomarkers like blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, heart rate, height, and weight, per Cleveland it sounds fun to find your biological age, the metrics are questionable since every company likely uses a different method to land on a number, per Dr. Buttarazzi. So, if this marker is included on one of your extensive lab tests, you should probably take your results with a grain of salt. What do biomarkers really say about our health? Biomarkers are just one piece of the puzzle, and they shouldn't be seen as the end-all, be-all for your health. Biomarkers can tell you a lot, especially when it comes to identifying dysfunction and getting personalized guidance for healthspan and longevity, Dr. Gidwani says. But doctors say it's also important to back up and look at the big picture of what might be making you feel off—like lack of sleep or other lifestyle habits that could be hindering your health. And even the best data has its limits. Sometimes, biomarkers give us too much information that isn't relevant or that causes unnecessary worry, Dr. Gidwani says. Review results with a physician who can give you a full, holistic picture of your health—and ensure that you're on a path to long-term well-being. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
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Doctors' Number-1 Tip to Prevent This Serious Kind of Infection
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." The Staphylococcus bacteria that cause staph infections are with you always, minding their own business as they live on your skin and in your nose, per the Cleveland Clinic. But if they get inside your body, via a cut, skin infection, or contaminated food, for example, they can cause problems like blisters and sores, digestive woes, and potentially more serious ailments like toxic shock syndrome and sepsis. Fortunately, experts say it's easy to prevent a staph infection—and the keys are personal hygiene practices that you're likely already doing to keep yourself healthy and avoid viruses and infections in your daily life. Meet the experts: Paul Fey, Ph.D., the associate director of the Center for Staphylococcal Research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center; David Cennimo, M.D., assistant professor of medicine-pediatrics infectious disease at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Joshua Zeichner, M.D, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City; Richard Watkins, M.D., infectious diseases physician and a professor of internal medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University; Gary Goldenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. Here, doctors share the simple strategies that will keep the Staphylococcus bacteria from making you sick—plus when it might be worthwhile to give your provider a call if you suspect you have contracted a staph infection. 3 ways to prevent a staph infection Wash your hands. Washing your hands thoroughly and often—especially when you'll be handling food or touching a wound or broken skin—is the best way to prevent a staph infection, said Paul Fey, Ph.D., the associate director of the Center for Staphylococcal Research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. If you need to go to the doctor's office or to a hospital, for any reason, make sure that everybody that is seeing you is washing their hands too, said David Cennimo, M.D., assistant professor of medicine-pediatrics infectious disease at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. According to the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, the risk of a more serious staph infection is higher in healthcare facilities than out in public, thanks to the array of bacteria present and the number of open wounds and invasive procedures taking place. 'It's ok to ask 'did you wash your hands?'," Dr. Cennimo said, adding that alcohol hand sanitizers can do just as well. Keep cuts clean. Cuts and open wounds provide a doorway through which staph bacteria can get into your body, so you want to keep them as clean as possible. 'Make sure you tend to any open skin by cleaning the area, applying over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and then covering with a bandage to protect the area,' said Joshua Zeichner, M.D, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. You should also try to keep broken skin (such as itchy rashes, cuts, and sores) away from gym equipment and other surfaces that may be harboring bacteria. 'Do not share personal care products like razors, as they can spread bacteria, and avoid direct contact of the skin with someone who has crusts, scabs, or signs of an active infection themselves,' Dr. Zeichner added. Go gentle in the shower. While you may be tempted to give yourself an intense scrubbing in the shower to optimize your hygiene, especially if you have a cut or a sore that you're trying to keep from getting infected, it's not recommended. 'Don't dry out your skin or scrub too hard in the shower because if you have dry cracked skin, bacteria can hide in those cracks,' said Dr. Cennimo. Not only can they hide, but they can use cracks as an entry point into your body the same way they can use cuts and other wounds. So after your shower or following any kind of exfoliation, be sure to moisturize! When to see a doctor if you're worried about a staph infection. Early signs of a staph infection, according to NYU Langone Health, typically include skin redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and blisters. If you notice any of these, especially accompanied by a high fever or signs of systemic infection (fever, chills, change in activity level) you should seek urgent medical care, said Dr. Cennimo. 'Things that look like a skin infection that are lasting more than a day that are expanding rapidly, that are making you have a fever, that are particularly painful, you really need to be evaluated.' Also, if someone you have had contact with has a staph infection and you have new symptoms on your skin, seeing a doctor would be a good idea, added Richard Watkins, M.D., infectious diseases physician and a professor of internal medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University. Staph bacteria can be spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can also live on hand towels and clothes long enough to transfer to the next person to touch them. If you have eczema, make sure it's treated and see a doctor if you have any uncontrolled or infected-looking flare-ups, said Gary Goldenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. Skin damage from a particularly bad eczema flare-up can up your risk of contracting a staph infection, per the Mayo Clinic. Unless you have an angry skin boil or blemish, spotting a staph infection is going to be difficult, since the symptoms can overlap with all sorts of health conditions, Dr. Fey said. When in doubt, see your doctor, who can give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Additional reporting by Korin Miller and Madeleine Haase You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
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How 3 Women Over 50 Got Their First Pull-Up
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Strength training in general has big benefits for women over 50, from preventing muscle loss and strengthening bones to improving brain function. But once you've mastered the basics, taking on new challenges is great for continuing to build both mental and physical strength, says Angela Gargano, a high-performance coach in Austin, Texas. One move you may want to try? 'I'm obsessed with pull-ups,' says Gargano, who is also a keynote speaker and six-time American Ninja Warrior. She's so into pull-ups, in fact, that she developed her own program, which has helped hundreds of women (most of them 50-plus) get their first pull-up. This move can be intimidating for anyone, at any age—but it's possible for many women. Case in point: Jocelyn Klotz, 55, who participated in Gargano's program. 'Initially, I wanted to get a pull-up because I thought it was a cool skill to do,' says Klotz. 'But it became more about proving to myself and to others that it's a skill that's possible to achieve.' Meet the experts: Angela Gargano is a high-performance coach and creator of Pull-up Revolution. Heather Fields, M.D., is an internist at Mayo Clinic. Let's get into the details with some help from Gargano, Heather Fields, M.D., an internist at Mayo Clinic, and a few of Gargano's over-50 clients who've recently worked toward their first pull-up. What are the benefits of pull-ups? 'Pull-ups are a compound exercise that work several muscles in the upper body,' says Dr. Fields, including those in your shoulders, back, arms, and chest. 'I love the fact that we're working on the upper body, which a lot of women skip,' adds Fields says that pull-ups are great for muscle hypertrophy, or growth, in particular. Like other resistance exercises, pull-ups can help prevent age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and bone loss (osteopenia/osteoporosis), benefits that may be especially important for women over 50. Moreover, resistance training of any type helps lower resting blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, says Dr. Fields. There's also a mental benefit to getting your first pull-up. 'When you're working on a goal, and doing something for the first time, or doing something that you thought was impossible, it's going to be mentally challenging,' says Gargano. It's also confidence-boosting. 'Conquering a pull-up was more than just conquering a pull-up,' says Catherine Plomp, who reached her goal of getting a pull-up by her 50th birthday. 'It gave me so much confidence' in fitness and beyond. Is it possible for women to do pull-ups over 50? Though a standard unassisted pull-up (with an overhand grip/palms facing away from you) is a very challenging resistance exercise, Dr. Fields and Gargano agree that it's possible to do one over the age of 50. That said, those with sarcopenia and women who have been unable to regularly resistance train due to injuries or illnesses may struggle to get a pull-up, Dr. Fields says. Pain or weakness from tendonitis and/or arthritis in the neck, back, shoulders, arms and/or hands may also be limiting. Check with your doctor first if you have any pre-existing injuries or health conditions. If you're not sure where to start, it can be very helpful to work with a trainer at your local gym or virtually, or to join a program like Gargano's. How can you get started with pull-ups over 50? Gargano says it's a myth that you need to be super strong before you start working on your pull-up, and that belief can hold you back from even trying. 'As you work up to it, you're going to be getting stronger,' says Gargano. But you need to be smart about it, which means working on mobility, stability, and strength. 'Exercises that build strength in the latissimus dorsi and biceps brachii and other contributing muscles will help you work toward a pull-up,' says Dr. Fields. That could mean dead hangs or even hanging from a bar with retraction of the scapula only. Check out three of Gargano's favorite moves for working towards a pull-up here. Assisted pull-ups with bands or a machine, lat pull-downs, horizontal rows, and bicep or hammer curls can all be helpful. Even farmer's carries help by working on grip strength. Gargano suggests plank shoulder taps to help build stability, Up Bar Doorway with Ergonomic Grip $42.48 at Lalita Tamburri, age 52, wanted to do a pull-up since her teenage years, and was never able to do it. She was in 'decent' shape when she started in Gargano's program, but had very little muscle tone. For her, it came down to mindset. 'I worked with clearing some of my own mental blocks and my pull-up came very quickly,' she says. 'Just get up there and start hanging on the bar, even if you can only hang for a few seconds,' says Gargano. Any risks I should worry about? Starting an exercise program should always begin with lower intensity, frequency, and volume, says Dr. Fields. Gradually build up over the course of several weeks to prevent injuries and dangerous conditions like rhabdomyolysis (a serious condition where your muscles break down after an injury or excessive exercise).If you've suffered any recent trauma to your upper body, especially something like a fracture or muscle tear, make a plan to get evaluated by a medical professional and/or physical therapist before attempting a pull-up, says Dr. Fields. People with osteoporosis, recent surgeries, and cancer survivors with bone metastases should also get medical clearance first. And if you have any conditions like a recent heart attack or other cardiac disease or heart rhythm troubles, blood clots, or unexplained symptoms like fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, you should talk to your healthcare provider before beginning a fitness routine. How can you integrate pull-ups into a holistic fitness routine? Remember, don't be afraid to recruit help in the form of a trainer or virtual program. That said, many of Gargano's clients incorporate some type of pull-ups or pull-up drills at the end of their regular workouts. 'What's really important is consistency,' says Gargano. The very minimum frequency of training major muscle groups of the upper body would be once per week, says Dr. Fields, but two to four times per week with two to four sets of each exercise is optimal. In general, more volume over the course of the week will lead to more muscle gain, but make sure you're not getting overly fatigued by prioritizing those recovery days as well. And of course, don't neglect your lower body! So should you try it? For the clients who got their first pull-up over 50, it's been a life-changing skill to conquer. 'Pull-ups gave me confidence, strength, and was proof that I can achieve a lot more than I ever thought I could at my age,' says Klotz. 'I can lift heavier things with more ease.' Tamburri agrees, and says she saw big improvement in her rock climbing—she can now do the overhanging climbs, which were always very difficult before. 'I feel like my whole life is lit up,' she says. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
