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Just a reminder for people over 50

TheX

TheX

Well-Known Member
I know most people here don't know me, but this is really good info for people, especially men that are over 50. Have a cardiac stress test done.

I'm very active. I cycle, and go to the gym 5 days a week. I have a VERY healthy diet and quit smoking and drinking 13 years ago. I'mm 55 and last Saturday I had a bad heart attack. Thankfully I'm only 5 miles from a cardiac care hospital, and the EMS people got me there is a hurry. 2.5 hours after the event started I was in recovery with 4 new stents in the plugged arteries. Two of them were basically 100% blocked.

I feel a LOT better now, and my cardiologist believes that I will have a nearly complete recovery and be back in the gym (to start) in 3 weeks. The drugs suck, and even my dental cleanings are now a possible issue. I can't ride at 186 mph on my bike at the track anymore since I have to avoid anything that can cause bleeding.

If you are over 50, or have a family history of cardiac disease, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and GET CHECKED!
 
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Glad you are doing fine now, X!

Yea, pre-checkups are a good thing to plan for & even keeping to a regime of a good diet & exercise is not always enough.

Rome
 
botrytis said:
So true.

But, what is your diet and family history like? Those have to be taken into account also.
Click to expand...

My diet is outstanding, but was really crappy till I was about 42. Definite family history of it on my dad's side.
 
Thanks for that tip. It is time for my yearly physical anyway, I will ask if I can have that added to the list of things to check. As a diabetic, I meet with my doctor on a regular basis.
 
I am very happy to read your sage words of advice. That you simply were able to write them is a blessing! :thmbsp:

When God fires a warning shot across your bow, it's time to pay attention! It sounds like your lifestyle is not the issue as it is with so many people that are not as fortunate as you are. I am sure that you are receiving plenty of good advice from professionals and are in good hands now. My somewhat similar incident ten years or so ago was, all things considered, rather fortunate. My coronary blockages were life threatening but they were caught just in time before an actual heart attack occurred and they only required two stents. Since that time I have been more careful with my diet and have been in the capable hands of my doctor and cardiologist. All is good now. I hope that your recovery is fast and smooth and that your future years are without any additional issues.

And thanks again for the heads up reminder -- and the warning to those that have not yet seen their doctor for a checkup.
 
Ok, went in for a nuclear stress test yesterday. It's been 30 days since my heart attack.

So, failed the stress test, I have one more bad artery. Doc gave me two options.

1. Avoid high heart rates, like spinning and cycling. Take more drugs forever, and *hope* that I don't have another heart attack.

2. Go in and have one more stent put in. No restrictions on activities, and no more drugs.

I already hit the max out of pocket on my insurance for the year so I go in next month to have it done. Should be in and out in 24 hours and I'll take a weeks vacation. I feel better about this now that I know.
 
X....very happy you are still with us. My Dad had 4 heart attacks prior to his 50th birthday. I have been on the yearly physical list since I turned 30. I am 53 and thank the big guy, I am still going strong. Know that you are in my thoughts....
 
All in all I'd say you've been lucky.

You obviously have a winning attitude here.

Good luck w/ the next step.
 
Wow.

Glad you are OK. I had a relative recently pass away from a sudden heart attack. He was also in apparently good shape.

I am like you TheX. I work out regularly. I watch my diet. I compete in endurance sporting events all summer long. I run, bike, swim, play Tennis, and go to the Gym for weight lifting. Does not mean my heart is healthy. I get checkups every year like clockwork. Cholesterol is a silent killer. Plaque in the arteries can get you without you knowing.

Again, so glad you are OK. Be well.

Billy
 
Thanks for sharing. Glad things are going good and good luck with the next part.

As a side note...I have had the stess tests 3 times and so far so good. All 3 times was because of chest pains. Sometimes for days at a time, sometimes pressure and pain that could put me on my knees. The tests always said everything was fine heart wise. The last one, however, led to a recommendation for a sleep study. Test was positive for Sleep Apnea. The strain on the lungs and heart can cause real problems. Since treatment began for that I very rarely have any chest discomfort.

Talk to your doctor and get checked out.
 
Once you hit 50, there are regular tests you should get. Annual physical, bloodwork and prostrate with the finger exam are all part of the bundle. You also should get a stress test and colonoscopy every 10 years too.

Most insurances cover all of these tests as they would rather pay for the test and nip it early than pay for the alternatives.
 
Thank goodness you survived! Glad the stents will work for you.
I went through CHF several years ago, lost weight and see the cardiologist every 6 months. Lots of walking!
 
Agree wholly with the sleep apnea point. That condition will screw you up in all kinds of ways we are just beginning to understand.

A CPAP device is something most of us could probably benefit from. Once we get over the bizarre aspects of it. You breathe better when you sleep. Hell, top athletes use oxygen tents.

What pisses me off is that they are considered a Medical Device and are complicated with all kinds of sleep tests and insurance crap for what is essentially a variable speed fan on your nose. They cost so damn much that many who could benefit from them stay away.

That said, my wife's cousin snores like a busted chain saw. He had access to a slightly used unit I told him to go for it. Reprogram for Medium and have a crack at it. He hates it but it works.
 
Also. Most of the people I know who had early heart attacks were fit and otherwise healthy. Many were VERY fit. ?????.
 
Good luck with your remaining stent procedure. If we may ask without HIPAA violation, what have your cholesterol levels been like and did your family have heart attacks before age 55?
 
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