I am 52, and am a survivor of Heart Disease. I have always eaten healthy, exercised, etc.
One thing that I never see mentioned is the fact that Heart Disease is also hereditary. It is not always a choice and it is not always preventable.
March 3, 2009 after three years of my doctors not listening to my complaints, one doctor, a year earlier refused to do a heart cath while in the hospital for observation, when requested by another doctor because of my family history, he said I was too young and healthy and smirked and walked out of the room! Because of getting tired of my complaining, my cardiologist scheduled a calcium score test, basically to prove me wrong. It was very high risk, over 400, went straight to having a heart cath done, 15 minutes later my husband is informed that I need 5 bypasses. Two of those bypasses were blocked within three months! One 100% the other 70% which they were able to put a stint in, which was in July 2009. The 100% artery is still blocked. The doctors were shocked and said that was highly unusual for bypasses to become blocked (they can collapse) and especially in such a short time. In November 2009, after a cardiac PET Scan (which I had to fight for and prove that it was available, not just for cancer), besides having another TIA during the procedure, I also had severe chest pains during the chemical stress test done during the procedure. I then had four more stints, a three hour process. January 2010, I had another cardiac PET Scan and another Heart Cath, there is nothing more they can do, and are treating it with meds as best as possible.
I have small vessel disease and Arteriolosclerosis. I am thankful to be here today. Thankful for the doctor who went the extra mile. These tests and procedures are not well known to women. If a women has a strong family history of heart disease, she should ask for a CALCIUM SCORE TEST. That is the only way I would have ever known. The doctor said my EKG's and stress tests were always normal because the blockages were equal and so did not detect any stress on the heart. Calcium score tests should become routine. Not EKG's. EKG's can detect a heart attack, but not heart disease. Plus, the Cardiac PET Scan is used not only to detect heart disease but also to track the Patients progress, it is less invasive, and cost about the same. It gives a road map of exactly where they can go during a heart cath. That is how they did the last four stints.
My husband had a calcium score test done last Summer, he has a strong family history of heart disease, both of his parents died a week apart, at the age of 56. Both from heart disease. Thankfully his calcium score was 5!! He is on cholesterol meds, has been for a couple of years. But it is good to have that peace of mind that his heart is in good shape. My cholesterol was way higher than his, over 300, but was never put on cholesterol meds. because of the autoimmune disease, made the muscle weakness worse so was told all the meds would do the same. NOT TRUE! I am on Crestor now, and it is working fine and my cholesterol is much lower. I have also changed doctors.
My dad is 75 and had open heart surgery when he was 44, and again at 48. My mom had open heart surgery following several angioplasties in her fifties. My brother had stints put in when he was 40. None of us are over weight, or lacked exercise. It runs in the family. I am not saying that we should not watch what we eat or exercise, as that is important, but if we were not already healthy eaters and such, we would not be here today. I eat healthier now than I did. However, because of autoimmune diseases I am not able to be as active as I used to be. But I still get out and walk.
I just ask that you Please make women (and men) aware that it can be hereditary. Don't make us feel guilty by saying "It is your choice.
"I have sent my heart story in a couple of times. I will send it again if you like.
Our family will be wearing RED on Friday, Feb. 5th.
Diane Beard, Morgantown, WV