James O'Keefe, MD
Encyclopedia
Dr. James O'Keefe Jr., MD (born June 8, 1956) is an American author and preventive cardiologist best known for his studies in the field of cardiovascular medicine. O’Keefe is the co-author of the best selling consumer health book, The Forever Young Diet & Lifestyle. He is currently a professor of medicine at the University of Missouri–Kansas City
and a partner in St. Luke's Cardiovascular Consultants, a large cardiology practice based in Kansas City.
on June 8, 1956. He began his college undergraduate education at the University of North Dakota
where he received a BS in Natural Science. In 1982, he graduated with his MD from Baylor College of Medicine
. He then completed his medical residency as well as a cardiovascular fellowship at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. He did an advanced fourth year cardiovascular fellowship in nuclear cardiac imagery and interventional cardiology.
O’Keefe is the director of the Preventive Cardiology Fellowship Program at the Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute. At the Mid America Heart Institute, he is actively involved with patient care, clinical research as well as non-invasive cardiology practices. He has been board-certified in cardiology, nuclear cardiology, pacing, and internal medicine. He has been named to several top doctors lists, both regionally and nationally, including USA Today's Most Influential American Physicians, Ingram’s Business Magazine, Kansas City Family Magazine, and Consumer Guide to Top Doctors In 1989, he became a Professor of Medicine at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. Dr. O’Keefe is also a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association Council of Clinical Cardiology.
Dr. O’Keefe has contributed over 200 articles to medical literature. These include his numerous studies on vitamin D
, omega-3, diet
and alcohol
. He has been the lead author of four best-selling books, including, The Forever Young Diet & Lifestyle, Dyslipidemia Essentials, Diabetes Essentials, and the Complete Guide to ECGs. He has been a contributor to chapters in eight other books.
James met his wife, Joan while at the Mayo Clinic
. The two married in October 1984 and together they have four children: James III, Evan, Kathleen, and Caroline. The family is an avid supporter of the Wayside Waifs
animal shelter and are constantly providing a home for stray and helpless animals.
Together, James and Joan, wrote the book, The Forever Young Diet & Lifestyle, the best-selling consumer health book.
in hand. Two to three times per week, James will enjoy a meal consisting of oily fish
. Salmon
and trout
are among his favorites. James enjoys spending his free time outdoors, playing with family and friends.
James’ lectures focus extensively on the role of therapeutic lifestyle changes, the hunter-gather and Mediterranean diets, as well as drug therapy for preventing and improving cardiovascular disease. It is not uncommon for James to prescribe his patients to get a dog in order to increase physical activity, reduce stress, and to help make it easier to stay fit and happy.
type of lifestyle. However, our modern, fast-paced, technology-driven world is full of diets consisting of fast food and empty calories. These empty calories are the underlying cause for most diseases, disabilities, and unhappiness. Our ancestors munched on a diet high in fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They also were getting a large amount of exercise from walking, bending, lifting, carrying, swimming, climbing, and other activities that were necessary to their daily routines. Instead of slurping down sugary fruit drinks and sodas such as Coke, our ancestors consumed [water. Dr. O’Keefe says it is essential that humans consume 1.5 liters of water daily. He also suggests drinking tea, coffee, and wine in moderation.
. He was the lead author for the articles Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Cardiovascular Protection and Vitamin D Deficiency:An Important, Common, and Easily Treatable Cardiovascular Risk Factor? Through his studies, James has shown that vitamin D deficiency may have a direct correlation with cardiovascular disease
, diabetes, hypertension
, and inflammation
. Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” can be obtained by being outside everyday. However, the use of sunscreen and the lack of UVB rays during the winter months are a few of the reasons why most people living north of Atlanta are vitamin D deficient. James often recommends taking a supplement with 2000 IU vitamin D3.
According to Dr. O’Keefe, it is imperative that an individual consume 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids every day. DHA
and EPA are the omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish. This is the equivalent of 2-3 meals involving fish per week. Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied and shown potential benefits in reducing the risk of stroke
, improving brain and cardiovascular function, and reducing inflammation. O’Keefe is an advocate on the importance of an omega-3 presence in your diet:
-The Forever Young Diet & Lifestyle
Cardiovascular Research Scholar recipient: Funding for dedicated research time: Mid America Hearth Institute (1998–2004)
The Squire Top 125 Kansas City Doctors (2004)
Kansas City Top 25 Doctors (2004–2005)
America’s Top Rated Physicians — Cardiology (2004–2005)
Kansas City Top 100 Doctors (2006–2007)
USA Today Most Influential Doctors (2010)
America's Top Doctors for Five Consecutive Years (2006–2010)
Kansas City Business Journal Top Doctors 2010
improving postprandial glucose, lipids, inflammation and cardiovascular
health. J Am Coll Cardiol. 22;51(3)249-255, 2008 January.
2. Lee JH, O’Keefe JH Jr, Bateman T, Thompson RC: Dubotamine-induced
chest pain not a predictor of ischemic findings on myocardial perfusion
imaging. Submitted J Nucl Cardio December 2007 and Accepted for
publication 2008 January.
3. Abuissa H, O’Keefe JH Jr, Bybee KA: Statins as anti-arrhythmics: A
systemic review. Clin Cardio. Submitted October 2007 Accepted for
publication 2008 January.
4. Lee JH, O’Keefe JH Jr, Lavie CJ, Marchioli R, Harris WS: Omega-3 fatty
acids for cardio-protection: Optimal dosage and DHA/EPA Ratio.
Submitted and accepted
5. Bybee KA, Lee JH, O’Keefe JH Jr: Exploring the clinical impact of lipidlowering
therapy-Atorvastatin landmarks. Submitted Curr Med Res and
Opin December 2007 and Accepted for publication 2007 December.
6. Lee JH, O’Keefe JH Jr, Bybee KA: Longer course of varenicline therapy
improves smoking cessation rates. Submitted Cardiol. 2007 December.
7. Bell DSH, O’Keefe JH Jr: White cell count and mortality in the Baltimore
Longitudinal Study of Aging. Letter to the Editor. J Am Coll Cardiol.
50:1810-1811, 30 October 2007.
8. Bell DSH, O’Keefe JH Jr, Jellinger P: Is post-prandial dysmetabolism the
missing link between diabetes and cardiovascular events? Submitted
September 2007 Endo Prac and Accepted 2007 October.
9. O’Keefe JH Jr, Lee JH: Cardiac Rehab in the Quest for a Happier and
Healthier Heart. Submitted and accepted by So Med J. 2007 September
accepted for publication 2007 December.
10. O’Keefe JH Jr, Bybee KA, Lavie CJ: Alcohol and cardiovascular health:
The razor-sharp double-edged sword. J Am Coll Cardiol 7;50:1009-1014,
2007 September.
Complete Research Publication List
Physicians’ Press, Birmingham, MI, 2010.
2. O'Keefe JH Jr, Bell DS, Wyne K, Haffner SM: Diabetes Essentials, 3rd
Edition, Physician’s Press, Birmingham, MI, In Press 2007.
3. Ballantyne CM, O’Keefe JH Jr, Gotto AM Jr: Dyslipidemia Essentials 2007,
3rd Edition. Physicians’ Press, Royal Oak, MI, In Press 2007.
4. O'Keefe JH Jr, O’Keefe J: The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle. Andrews
McMeel Universal, Kansas City, MO, November 2005.
5. O'Keefe JH Jr, Bell DS, Wyne K, Haffner SM: Diabetes Essentials,
Physician’s Press, 150 Pages, Birmingham, MI, April 2004.
Complete Book List
University of Missouri–Kansas City
The University of Missouri–Kansas City is a public university located in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. It is a branch of the University of Missouri System. Its main campus is in Kansas City's Rockhill neighborhood east of the Country Club Plaza...
and a partner in St. Luke's Cardiovascular Consultants, a large cardiology practice based in Kansas City.
About
James Henry O’Keefe Jr., MD, son of James Henry O'Keefe Sr. and Leatrice O’Keefe, was born in Grand Forks, North DakotaGrand Forks, North Dakota
Grand Forks is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Grand Forks County. According to the 2010 census, the city's population was 52,838, while that of the city and surrounding metropolitan area was 98,461...
on June 8, 1956. He began his college undergraduate education at the University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is a public university in Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA. Established by the Dakota Territorial Assembly in 1883, six years before the establishment of the state of North Dakota, UND is the oldest and largest university in the state and enrolls over 14,000 students. ...
where he received a BS in Natural Science. In 1982, he graduated with his MD from Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine, located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas, USA, is a highly regarded medical school and leading center for biomedical research and clinical care...
. He then completed his medical residency as well as a cardiovascular fellowship at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. He did an advanced fourth year cardiovascular fellowship in nuclear cardiac imagery and interventional cardiology.
O’Keefe is the director of the Preventive Cardiology Fellowship Program at the Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute. At the Mid America Heart Institute, he is actively involved with patient care, clinical research as well as non-invasive cardiology practices. He has been board-certified in cardiology, nuclear cardiology, pacing, and internal medicine. He has been named to several top doctors lists, both regionally and nationally, including USA Today's Most Influential American Physicians, Ingram’s Business Magazine, Kansas City Family Magazine, and Consumer Guide to Top Doctors In 1989, he became a Professor of Medicine at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. Dr. O’Keefe is also a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association Council of Clinical Cardiology.
Dr. O’Keefe has contributed over 200 articles to medical literature. These include his numerous studies on vitamin D
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. In humans, vitamin D is unique both because it functions as a prohormone and because the body can synthesize it when sun exposure is adequate ....
, omega-3, diet
Diet
Diet, in relation to food, might mean:*Diet , the sum of the food consumed by an organism or group*Dieting, the deliberate selection of food to control body weight or nutrient intake*Diet food, foods that aid in dieting...
and alcohol
Alcohol
In chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
. He has been the lead author of four best-selling books, including, The Forever Young Diet & Lifestyle, Dyslipidemia Essentials, Diabetes Essentials, and the Complete Guide to ECGs. He has been a contributor to chapters in eight other books.
Family history
Dr. James O'Keefe has a long family history in medicine. James' great grandfather, Dr. Henry O'Keefe, practiced medicine in North Dakota from 1890 to 1935. Henry O'Keefe has been considered a pioneer doctor of his times. Henry's son, Emmett (James' grandfather), was also a doctor in this area.James met his wife, Joan while at the Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice and medical research group specializing in treating difficult patients . Patients are referred to Mayo Clinic from across the U.S. and the world, and it is known for innovative and effective treatments. Mayo Clinic is known for being at the top of...
. The two married in October 1984 and together they have four children: James III, Evan, Kathleen, and Caroline. The family is an avid supporter of the Wayside Waifs
Wayside Waifs
Wayside Waifs is a non-profit humane society and animal welfare organization located in Kansas City, Missouri. It was established in 1944....
animal shelter and are constantly providing a home for stray and helpless animals.
Together, James and Joan, wrote the book, The Forever Young Diet & Lifestyle, the best-selling consumer health book.
Personal diet and lifestyle
Every morning James begins his day by taking his dogs with him on a run. James’ favorite breakfast consists of anything from low-fat plain yogurt, mixed with unsalted walnuts or pecans, cinnamon and berries, an egg white omelet, to any avocado dressed with fresh lemon. James can be found, at any point of the day, with a cup of green teaGreen tea
Green tea is made solely from the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea originates from China and has become associated with many cultures throughout Asia. It has recently become more widespread in the West, where black tea is traditionally...
in hand. Two to three times per week, James will enjoy a meal consisting of oily fish
Oily fish
Oily fish have oil in their tissues and in the belly cavity around the gut. Their fillets contain up to 30 percent oil, although this figure varies both within and between species...
. Salmon
Salmon
Salmon is the common name for several species of fish in the family Salmonidae. Several other fish in the same family are called trout; the difference is often said to be that salmon migrate and trout are resident, but this distinction does not strictly hold true...
and trout
Trout
Trout is the name for a number of species of freshwater and saltwater fish belonging to the Salmoninae subfamily of the family Salmonidae. Salmon belong to the same family as trout. Most salmon species spend almost all their lives in salt water...
are among his favorites. James enjoys spending his free time outdoors, playing with family and friends.
James’ lectures focus extensively on the role of therapeutic lifestyle changes, the hunter-gather and Mediterranean diets, as well as drug therapy for preventing and improving cardiovascular disease. It is not uncommon for James to prescribe his patients to get a dog in order to increase physical activity, reduce stress, and to help make it easier to stay fit and happy.
Hunter-Gatherer lifestyle
Dr. O’Keefe highly suggests that in order to live a healthy lifestyle, humans must return to the lifestyles of our ancient ancestors. This is essential because the nutritional needs of our current era were determined many centuries ago in the remote pre-historic past. We have been genetically adapted to a Hunter-GathererHunter-gatherer
A hunter-gatherer or forage society is one in which most or all food is obtained from wild plants and animals, in contrast to agricultural societies which rely mainly on domesticated species. Hunting and gathering was the ancestral subsistence mode of Homo, and all modern humans were...
type of lifestyle. However, our modern, fast-paced, technology-driven world is full of diets consisting of fast food and empty calories. These empty calories are the underlying cause for most diseases, disabilities, and unhappiness. Our ancestors munched on a diet high in fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They also were getting a large amount of exercise from walking, bending, lifting, carrying, swimming, climbing, and other activities that were necessary to their daily routines. Instead of slurping down sugary fruit drinks and sodas such as Coke, our ancestors consumed [water. Dr. O’Keefe says it is essential that humans consume 1.5 liters of water daily. He also suggests drinking tea, coffee, and wine in moderation.
Research
James O’Keefe has researched and written about omega-3, and vitamin DVitamin D
Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. In humans, vitamin D is unique both because it functions as a prohormone and because the body can synthesize it when sun exposure is adequate ....
. He was the lead author for the articles Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Cardiovascular Protection and Vitamin D Deficiency:An Important, Common, and Easily Treatable Cardiovascular Risk Factor? Through his studies, James has shown that vitamin D deficiency may have a direct correlation with cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease
Heart disease or cardiovascular disease are the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels . While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system , it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis...
, diabetes, hypertension
Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a cardiac chronic medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. What that means is that the heart is having to work harder than it should to pump the blood around the body. Blood pressure involves two measurements, systolic and...
, and inflammation
Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...
. Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” can be obtained by being outside everyday. However, the use of sunscreen and the lack of UVB rays during the winter months are a few of the reasons why most people living north of Atlanta are vitamin D deficient. James often recommends taking a supplement with 2000 IU vitamin D3.
According to Dr. O’Keefe, it is imperative that an individual consume 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids every day. DHA
DHA
-Chemicals:* Dehydroascorbic acid, an oxidized form of ascorbic acid* Dihydroxyacetone, the active ingredient in sunless or self-tanning skincare products* Docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid...
and EPA are the omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish. This is the equivalent of 2-3 meals involving fish per week. Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied and shown potential benefits in reducing the risk of stroke
Stroke
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...
, improving brain and cardiovascular function, and reducing inflammation. O’Keefe is an advocate on the importance of an omega-3 presence in your diet:
- A sharper mind, a happier mood, a healthier heart, a leaner body, and less inflammation: Thousands of scientific studies have documented an astounding array for physical, mental, and emotional benefits conferred by omega-3 supplementation. Omega-3 fats nourish the cells of the skin, hair, nerves, brain, heart, and virtually all of the tissue and organs. You are what you eat.
-The Forever Young Diet & Lifestyle
Honors
- Phi Eta SigmaPhi Eta SigmaPhi Eta Sigma is an American freshman honor society. Founded at the University of Illinois on March 22, 1923, is the oldest and largest freshman honor society and now has more than three hundred chapters throughout the United States and more than 1 million members.-Eligibility:Any first-year...
(1977) - Phi Beta Kappa (1978)
- Summa Cum Laude Honors Graduate at the University of North Dakota (1978)
- AMA Outstanding Medical Student Award: University of North Dakota (1980)
- Summa Cum Laude Honors Graduate at the University of North Dakota (1980)
- Alpha Omega AlphaAlpha Omega AlphaThe Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, commonly called Alpha Omega Alpha and abbreviated ΑΩΑ or AOA, is a national honor society for medical students, residents, scientists and physicians in the United States and Canada.-History:...
(1982)
Cardiovascular Research Scholar recipient: Funding for dedicated research time: Mid America Hearth Institute (1998–2004)
The Squire Top 125 Kansas City Doctors (2004)
Kansas City Top 25 Doctors (2004–2005)
America’s Top Rated Physicians — Cardiology (2004–2005)
Kansas City Top 100 Doctors (2006–2007)
USA Today Most Influential Doctors (2010)
America's Top Doctors for Five Consecutive Years (2006–2010)
Kansas City Business Journal Top Doctors 2010
Research publications
1. O’Keefe JH Jr, Gheewala NM, O’Keefe JO: Dietary strategies forimproving postprandial glucose, lipids, inflammation and cardiovascular
health. J Am Coll Cardiol. 22;51(3)249-255, 2008 January.
2. Lee JH, O’Keefe JH Jr, Bateman T, Thompson RC: Dubotamine-induced
chest pain not a predictor of ischemic findings on myocardial perfusion
imaging. Submitted J Nucl Cardio December 2007 and Accepted for
publication 2008 January.
3. Abuissa H, O’Keefe JH Jr, Bybee KA: Statins as anti-arrhythmics: A
systemic review. Clin Cardio. Submitted October 2007 Accepted for
publication 2008 January.
4. Lee JH, O’Keefe JH Jr, Lavie CJ, Marchioli R, Harris WS: Omega-3 fatty
acids for cardio-protection: Optimal dosage and DHA/EPA Ratio.
Submitted and accepted
5. Bybee KA, Lee JH, O’Keefe JH Jr: Exploring the clinical impact of lipidlowering
therapy-Atorvastatin landmarks. Submitted Curr Med Res and
Opin December 2007 and Accepted for publication 2007 December.
6. Lee JH, O’Keefe JH Jr, Bybee KA: Longer course of varenicline therapy
improves smoking cessation rates. Submitted Cardiol. 2007 December.
7. Bell DSH, O’Keefe JH Jr: White cell count and mortality in the Baltimore
Longitudinal Study of Aging. Letter to the Editor. J Am Coll Cardiol.
50:1810-1811, 30 October 2007.
8. Bell DSH, O’Keefe JH Jr, Jellinger P: Is post-prandial dysmetabolism the
missing link between diabetes and cardiovascular events? Submitted
September 2007 Endo Prac and Accepted 2007 October.
9. O’Keefe JH Jr, Lee JH: Cardiac Rehab in the Quest for a Happier and
Healthier Heart. Submitted and accepted by So Med J. 2007 September
accepted for publication 2007 December.
10. O’Keefe JH Jr, Bybee KA, Lavie CJ: Alcohol and cardiovascular health:
The razor-sharp double-edged sword. J Am Coll Cardiol 7;50:1009-1014,
2007 September.
Complete Research Publication List
Books
1. O'Keefe JH Jr, Hammill SC, Freed M, Pogwizd SM: The ECG Criteria Book.Physicians’ Press, Birmingham, MI, 2010.
2. O'Keefe JH Jr, Bell DS, Wyne K, Haffner SM: Diabetes Essentials, 3rd
Edition, Physician’s Press, Birmingham, MI, In Press 2007.
3. Ballantyne CM, O’Keefe JH Jr, Gotto AM Jr: Dyslipidemia Essentials 2007,
3rd Edition. Physicians’ Press, Royal Oak, MI, In Press 2007.
4. O'Keefe JH Jr, O’Keefe J: The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle. Andrews
McMeel Universal, Kansas City, MO, November 2005.
5. O'Keefe JH Jr, Bell DS, Wyne K, Haffner SM: Diabetes Essentials,
Physician’s Press, 150 Pages, Birmingham, MI, April 2004.
Complete Book List