Post
by davsf » Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:31 am
I have been thin for several years now (5' 8"/ 140 lbs), and I can't complain about feeling bad except being worried about plaque and calcification in my coronary arteries. What drove me to have these tests run was that when I exercised strenuously, such as swinging an ax, moving boxes, digging ditches, lifting weights, etc., I would run out of breath very quickly and then I would feel chest pains for 1 - 4 hours afterwards. Since the blockage was not more than 50%, they didn't insert a stint or anything, but, I am told that I am too old (66) for "heavy lifting", and that plaque buildup and calcification is more a function of age (like gray hair), so, I am advised to lower LDL and slow down any further buildup. I don't know what to believe, but, it all sounds to me like no one really knows the complex workings within the coronary arteries - I get put off when I try to get a detailed analysis of the theories. I am taking vitc/lysine/proline to my tolerance level (20 g/day), and I am also taking several of the other supplements suggested here, so I am hoping some reversal can be achieved. Both my cardiologist and my PCP say the lowering my LDL to 40 would be a good thing to avoid what they call "secondary events" (which is taken to mean any kind of coronary anamoly like a heart attack or angina or blood clot).
Anyway, I still exercise vigorously, but I have avoided the heavy and strenous anerobic workouts - I don't let my pulse get above 130 and so far, I feel OK. Before my heart cath, I would often find my pulse over 150 for a miniute or two during some of my more strenous activities. That is what I am advised to avoid.
I eat the whites of eggs (hard boiled), but, according to Jack Lalane's diet, I haven't eaten the yellows for about 7 years now. I quit all dairy recently because it is supposed to promote plaque buildup. I really like the taste of dairy, but, I have to admit I feel better after being off it for several weeks.
Has anyone else experienced such low levels of HDL? I was wondering about ways to increase the HDL without increasing the LDL.
I am determined to do the best I can for the next two years to reverse the plaque and calcification, but, I am surprised that there is no real consensus in the scientific/medical world as the the detailed workings of coronary problems. If my plaque buildup increases during the next two years, then I will be a candidate for a stint, or, if really advanced, then a bypass. Doctor's advise me not to expect any reversal (as they believe it is an age-related ailment). I insist on trying anyway, with the pauline regimen and other suppliments. I'll find out in two years, but, until then, I'm still seekng as much information as I can - it is not my nature to just give up while I am still able to do something about it.