So this is 51, and I am especially grateful for another trip around the sun!
Short story: on May 08, 2024, when this pic was taken, I had a cardiac catheterization, and during the procedure the doc found my left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was 99% blocked. So, they put in a few stents, and I should be right as rain going forward.
The moral(s) of my story, which has been slowly building over the last year or so:
1 - know your family history and get tested accordingly: I was slower than I should have been in finally getting baseline Cardiac Calcium testing done. My score was 600, “high likelihood of significant obstruction in one or more arteries”. That led to a stress echo test, which led to said cardiac catheterization.
2 - understand your other risk factors: my cholesterol, specifically triglycerides, had been high, but trending down with diet and exercise, so we let it go without meds for the past few years. At my last physical, my numbers had spiked up, another factor leading to that first visit with the cardiologist, and adding a statin (Crestor) to the routine.
3 - listen to your body. I ran the worst Army Ten Miler of my life last October and knew something wasn’t right. Nothing hurt and I didn’t have “discomfort” but I could tell something was off. I never quite understood how athletes had heart attacks out of the blue, but I do now. I’d been exercising consistently for the past 3 1/2 years, but it turns out that’s not enough on its own.
The combo of those three things snuck up on me, so I’m sharing with all y’all in hopes that you’ll pause, take note of your own circumstances and take action as appropriate.
For me: I’m feeling recovered and good. I am grateful to have another Army Ten Miler coming up.
Much love and many thanks for the birthday wishes, they are extra special this year! ✌
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