Don’t Ignore the Symptoms: Dr. Scott Lear on heart disease, mental health and living longer

What does it take to build a healthy heart and mind?

Too often, we think of physical and mental health as separate—but they’re more connected than we realize.

Dr. Scott Lear, a Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University and the Pfizer/Heart and Stroke Foundation Chair in Cardiovascular Prevention Research, has spent decades studying how to prevent heart disease. Imagine his surprise when he was diagnosed with it!

In this episode, Dr. Lear shares his journey, the powerful link between heart and brain health, and why small, everyday choices can make a big impact on your longevity and well-being.

From movement and nutrition to managing stress, he breaks down practical, science-backed steps that anyone can take to improve their heart health. He also opens up about his experience with depression, the moment he knew he needed help, and why removing the stigma around mental health is just as important as preventing heart disease.

If you’ve ever delayed a checkup, ignored symptoms, or brushed off stress as "just part of life," this episode will change how you think about your health—before it’s too late.

Follow Dr. Scott Lear

• Website - https://drscottlear.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drscottlear/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drscottlear
• X - https://x.com/DrScottLear

 

MINDFIT Toolkit - Mental Wellness for Men - from Canadian Men’s Health Foundation

https://menshealthfoundation.ca/mindfit-toolkit

 

Follow Canadian Men’s Health

• Website - https://menshealthfoundation.ca/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/menshealthfdn/
• Facebook - https://facebook.com/menshealthfoundation

Chapters

00:22 Meet Dr. Scott Lear

00:56 Dr. Lear's Heart Health Journey

05:02 Diagnosis and Lifestyle Changes

07:46 Research on Physical Activity

14:03 Mental Health and Personal Struggles

22:25 Advice and Final Thoughts

26:39 Conclusion and Resources

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