OT: Learn from my dumb lesson

[Dennis 37]

Glad it was nothing too serious.

Yeah, just his heart.

Regarding not taking things serously:

I remember my family doctor visiting me in the hospital after my gangrenous gall bladder removal. She said, "You know you could have died?" I responded that worrying about it doesn't help and I trust doctors. While I was in hospital with my life threatening condition, I guess the bacteria filled abdomen cavity wasn't a good thing, my main goal was to try out my sense of humour on hospital staff. I must say it is tough to get a reaction from them. No laughs, no rolls of the eyes, no exasperated sighs. I was disappointed.

[tecumseh18]

Low blood pressure does not mean low chance of heart disease.

I have low blood pressure (can have dizziness and fainting spells), but my cholesterol was still ticking up. Despite my best efforts with diet and exercise, my cholesterol levels were not coming down. I am healthy, active and not overweight.

So I was prescribed a small dose of Crestor (statin) taken after dinner. It has positively reduced cholesterol and plaque which is the primary cause of heart attack.

Yeah, cholesterol is definitely something people need to keep under control. Because plaque builds up over many years/decades, it's of even more concern to younger people than older people.

My LDL/ApoB was sky high on a keto diet, so on my doctors' urging I switched to a high fibre diet - i.e. 550-600 g or two cans of legumes (lentils, chick peas, beans) per day - which brought my cholesterol back down to acceptable levels. I can even eat red meat in moderate amounts, but no more than one egg per day. So I don't take drugs. I worry that if I start taking a statin, I wouldn't be as motivated to stick to a health diet and lifestyle.

[WhatsaTDot]

Glad to hear you're ok.

It's also a reminder for men our age to take their health seriously. See you doctor. Expect and accept to get checked in uncomfortable places. We all want to be here for the next chip. Take responsibility for your health needs.