God Bless you Battle... thanks for the warning.
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
I was diagnosed with A-fib two & half years ago. Long story short I neglected my meds and got really sick early this year. A heart cath showed one blocked artery and a leaky mitral valve long overdue for repair. Open heart surgery in March, recovery made much easier by a loving new wife, and now I’m fine at 62.
I was blessed. Don’t ignore symptoms and it’s not being hypochondriatic to have the tests done, I’m a guy and I know I’m supposed to make fun of those who do or else I’m Alan Alda. Well, thanks to a wife who is much smarter than me (she had open heart following a year in Iraq) I’m here to tell the tale.
Hate it when others are right. And I still refuse to ask directions and I don’t have a GPS.
;^)
God Bless.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Heart disease runs deep on my dad’s side of the family- ALL of my uncles had heart attacks, or died of heart attacks. My dad had his first heart attack while still young- in his 40’s, in fact I was still in high school. Triple bypass in 2000, but then died of complications of diabetes in 2005. I’m still young- and female, but I try to be vigilant about my health, eat right, excersise, regular checkups, etc. Scary stuff.
I worry about my older brother following in my dad’s footsteps...heavy smoker, etc.
I am so very sorry. One never knows what will take one out eventually.
I had a sweet friend who was so worried about her apartment on the
Ground floor, safety, all that. Then she was hit by a truck on the street in Manhattan. She didn’t even make it to 30.
Your friend was blessed by your friendship. May you see each other again in greener pastures.
>> Please everyone take care of your heart.
Excellent advise.
Non-invasive tests: nuclear stress test, sonograms.
That said, I am sorry for your loss and it is too bad your friend didn't have chest pains or some other symptom that would have led to a heart cath, which would surely have saved his life.
Also, unfortunately, all to many people lie to Doctors when they are asked if they have chest pains or shortness of breath, and a lot of people attribute the shortness of breath to simply getting older and fail to mention it to their docs.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Thank you for the message. Good work.
my condolences ,Battle Axe
thank you for reminding us.
Sorry man.
My condolences on the loss of your friend.
I too just lost a very good friend at the age of 67. I still am unable - at times - to believe he's no longer here.
Again, I'm so sorry for your loss...
I had an heart catheterization at age 50 they day after I had a bad (really good) bowl of Chili. The doctor insisted. I had it and had no problems whatsoever. I kinda think it ought to be like the “over 50” colonascopy. If you make it 50 you ought to know what condition your heart is in.
One person mentioned a non-invasive test that would show coronary artery disease. I think a lot of that is actually caused by infection which should be detectable also.
I’m so sorry for your loss. How kind you are to think of other people at this time. God bless you.
Take a look at the new, Sept 2011 issue of Consumer Reports, on news stands now. The cover story is on the heart. They give examples of how over testing leads to false positives, more tests, unneeded treatment and various problems.
So very sorry for your loss. It’s good that you made this post, wish it had more views.
I nearly succumbed to a heart ailment recently. My Dr. could not locate the cause of an odd pain, and my blood results, as were his, showed an increased cholesterol level, especially LDL. He told me I needed a heart “cath” to determine the problem, but, my insurance wouldn’t allow it unless he could, specifically, say why...other than as a diagnostic. After much complaining, they relented, and allowed it. Of course they said it was all a mistake.
He found several blockages, one was really bad, and obviously the source of the pains. I had a mild heart attack when he attempted to clear it. I wound up with two “stents” and am now on meds for life. But I am lucky to be alive. :)
Everyone, male and female, over the age of ABOUT 45 should have a blood test every year, more often if their results indicate a need. Many FReepers are very much aware of this problem. Many even prepare all of their meals from scratch. Since my kids grew and left, I practically never did. I led a very busy life, and became a fast food junkie and a “go to the freezer and get the box” kinda guy. That was a huge, almost deadly, mistake.
Almost all of our prepared store bought food these days is chemicalized, in one fashion or another, and should be consumed with caution and in tight moderation. Read and head nutrition labels. Most probably don’t need to, but, I watch, log and weigh everything I consume now. And I complain to the food makers. A lot. lol
Thanks again for the post. Wishing you and yours the best!