Dr. Albert Kattus; Ex-UCLA Cardiology Chief

Dr. Albert A. Kattus, former chief of cardiology at UCLA School of Medicine and a pioneer in using exercise for rehabilitation and prevention of heart disease, has died. He was 78.

Kattus died March 8 in El Cajon of complications of Alzheimer’s disease, his wife, Mary, said Friday.

In addition to several scholarly studies and a book for doctors about his work with heart patients, Kattus was coauthor of a popular book, “The Cardiologists’ Guide to Fitness & Health Through Exercise.”

“Exercise is the best medicine I know of, next to champagne,” Kattus told an interviewer when the book was published in 1979. “Exercise should be fun. The way a person chooses to exercise the body should be a high point in one’s life.”

Practicing what he preached, Kattus jogged three miles a day every other day throughout his 60s. For those who dislike jogging, he recommended more normal activities such as walking, climbing stairs, housework or sex.

Kattus was former chairman of the exercise committee of the American Heart Assn., which awarded him a special citation for his research.

Born in Cincinnati, he earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University which granted him a lifetime achievement award in 1987. He received his medical degree from Rochester University in Rochester, N.Y., and served in the Navy during World War II.

Kattus came to UCLA as chief of cardiology in 1951 during the formation of the School of Medicine and taught and conducted research there for 24 years, becoming teacher of the year in 1976. His practice included work with the Veterans Administration Medical Center in West Los Angeles, Centinela Hospital in Inglewood, and Santa Monica Hospital Medical Center.

In addition to his wife of 50 years, Kattus is survived by their seven children, Tom and Frank, Mary Jo Spencer, Gretchen Jansen, Sarah Kattus-Stavro, Jane McGavin and Patty Kattus-Mercer; a sister and a brother, and 13 grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. March 30, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 10750 Ohio Ave. in Westwood, with a reception following at the UCLA Faculty Club.

The family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Assn. or the American Heart Assn.