Heart Health

[TheVTCGuy]

Does any (everyone hopefully) else monitor their heart health strictly?

My parents had five heart attacks between them, my mother had triple bypass surgery. My whole life I have been concentrated on my heart health, although i could (easily) lose ten pounds, I exercise regularly, don’t drink or smoke. As the big 60 is close I pay extra attention. I have a treadmill stress test every other year, (I did 15 minutes last time! Pretty dam good! I (think) I’m bragging, but anyone else that monitors their heart health go ahead, show me a resting pulse in the 40s.

Of course, as soon as I hit “submit new thread” on this I’ll drop over from heart failure

[kieselguhr]

Don’t forget to live life while you’re at it. Lifestyle modifications, medication, diet, all help stave it off but eventually genetics determined the blueprint long before you were born.

[77T]

This is why I reco an Apple Watch or other brand of your choice. No need to worry too much, it’ll detect abnormal readings within the range you’re set to experience. Also can detect AFIB…

So here’s my data - the bars are the resting to peak and the line is the average workout (mostly runs or walks). You can see that the average of workouts is like 5:1 Walks:Runs.




But it’s interesting the cardio said he wants me to raise the RHR. 40’s are bad for muscle and brain health says he. I’m 10 yrs your senior, so as we get older, we need improved flow…


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[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by 77T

This is why I reco an Apple Watch or other brand of your choice. No need to worry too much, it’ll detect abnormal readings within the range you’re set to experience. Also can detect AFIB…

So here’s my data - the bars are the resting to peak and the line is the average workout (mostly runs or walks). You can see that the average of workouts is like 5:1 Walks:Runs.




But it’s interesting the cardio said he wants me to raise the RHR. 40’s are bad for muscle and brain health says he. I’m 10 yrs your senior, so as we get older, we need improved flow…


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My brain health couldn’t get any worse That is an awesome rate, I set a goal of having mine in the (high) 40s but could never attain it; low to mid 50s is my setpoint I guess. I purchased a garmin watch, a FENIX to graph and keep track of my pulse like your Apple, but found (several different watches) the rate was very inaccurate. It’s too bad, I would be very curious to keep track during my mountain hikes.

[330ci]

I have been slacking a bit on my training lately. But still lower 40s for me.

Some days I just have to take off the watch and go enjoy life. I'm hoping to drop it back into the upper 30s though.

My family always says a heart attack is going to take me out, I tell them a vehicle is much more likely ��


Can't remember my RHR 2 years ago but my blood pressure was "pre hypertension" constantly when I would use those machines. Was right around 100/60 the other day when I checked

You're far better at almost 60 than I was at 25, its all relative. I think you're doing great in general, but especially fine for your age. Most people half your age are no where near as good of shape as you.

One of my cycling friends just had to get thrown on a ton of heart medication and her RHR was in the 40s, she's 50 and rides like 5000 miles a year. I don't think there's really a recipe for success. Just gotta do our best to take care of these vessels while they still carry us and enjoy life in the process.

[AzPaul]

Heart health is all and well good, but artery health is just as important.

[77T]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

Heart health is all and well good, but artery health is just as important.

Originally Posted by 330ci

Just gotta do our best to take care of these vessels while they still carry us and enjoy life in the process.

Yep - BP is an indicator but getting the scans and calcium scores can give an early warning. Genetics may thwart us all.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

My brain health couldn’t get any worse That is an awesome rate, I set a goal of having mine in the (high) 40s but could never attain it; low to mid 50s is my setpoint I guess. I purchased a garmin watch, a FENIX to graph and keep track of my pulse like your Apple, but found (several different watches) the rate was very inaccurate. It’s too bad, I would be very curious to keep track during my mountain hikes.

I agree the technology is still “iffy” on the laser based HR sensors. Plus, the way one wears the device.

I’ve baselined the Apple Watch against a pulseOx and a BP cuff while sitting and it consistently reads higher. It’s the long term trend I think.

Earlier in January I picked up a greater span of control in motorsports and my RHR would not go below 50 even while sleeping. Stress even while asleep methinks. So more zenwork more soundscapes and less TV helped.

Hope your trajectory is all to the good and zero tango uniform potential.


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[Andad]

Hi Paul.

74 years old and just got home from a busy day at work.

Don’t smoke but have a glass of wine in hand.

Just checked my pulse over one minute at 58.

I’m happy with that and BP is 110/78.

Word of advice - give up the stress tests.

A very low heart rate is not something I am remotely interested in having.

Too close to a full stop imo.

Eddie.

[Vintyage]

Same here. The hereditary HBP caught up with me at an early age (I think at 35). It was strange as I was too young to have such high readings (175/110). The doctor said it was due to stress as at that time my late dad was hospitalized due to heart failure.
Well that was it. I became so concerned and careful ever since. Reduced salt intake, exercise as often as possible, more of fruits and vegetables and now it’s not as bad.


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[TNT009]

Yup.. Get the muscle checked out regularly

[airchitect]

On my moms side of the family (she was one of 14) they do t talk about if they had heart surgery but when. Trying my hardest to bypass that one. All puns intended.


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[binArt]

I am old, I don't exercise, I don't watch what I eat, I am overweight, I don't monitor anything, and I enjoy living in blissful ignorance. Annual checkups point to a healthy heart (good genetics).

Don't let worrying about what might happen be the end of you.

BTW, why is your O2 low?

[brandrea]

Paul, congratulations and good for you for being vigilant.

My only suggestion is to throw in the odd glass of wine or maybe a bourbon every now and then

Seriously, it’s good to stay on top of things as you age. I’ve always felt that having a healthy body weight and a good diet is about all it takes. If you can keep your weight down in later years, it sets you up for a better old age IMHO.

Continuing success to you

[TheVTCGuy]

I should mention I too, am pre-hyper… whatever, for years. One problem is I have SEVERE Latrophobia. Before you go and look that it up it is a fear of Doctor’s, nurses, anything medically related. At home, my BP is 140/90 (ish). However when I go to the doctor it is routinely 150/100 or even higher. I am taking Lysinopril, either 10 or 20 MG. My cholesterol is 200 without any medicine, I take 5MG of Crestor and it is about 165, but my HDL SUCKS, like 35 or lower, (thanks mom and dad!). Those are the only medicines I take. I hate it, but realize it is for the best, so be it.

[BNA/LION]

Originally Posted by TNT009

Yup.. Get the muscle checked out regularly

The Muscle You're not talking about your heart, Right?

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I should mention I too, am pre-hyper… whatever, for years. One problem is I have SEVERE Latrophobia. Before you go and look that it up it is a fear of Doctor’s, nurses, anything medically related. At home, my BP is 140/90 (ish). However when I go to the doctor it is routinely 150/100 or even higher. I am taking Lysinopril, either 10 or 20 MG. My cholesterol is 200 without any medicine, I take 5MG of Crestor and it is about 165, but my HDL SUCKS, like 35 or lower, (thanks mom and dad!). Those are the only medicines I take. I hate it, but realize it is for the best, so be it.

Dude! You are ready to kick the bucket any day... Can I have the Corvette?

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I should mention I too, am pre-hyper… whatever, for years. One problem is I have SEVERE Latrophobia. Before you go and look that it up it is a fear of Doctor’s, nurses, anything medically related. At home, my BP is 140/90 (ish). However when I go to the doctor it is routinely 150/100 or even higher. I am taking Lysinopril, either 10 or 20 MG. My cholesterol is 200 without any medicine, I take 5MG of Crestor and it is about 165, but my HDL SUCKS, like 35 or lower, (thanks mom and dad!). Those are the only medicines I take. I hate it, but realize it is for the best, so be it.

Paul, I can relate to the iatrophobia. A hospitalization four years ago helped me overcome this feeling to some extent.

A couple years before that, I visited the emergencies with severe stomach ache. Following protocol, doctors opted to screen me for the worst at first, especially after hearing that my late father suffered of coronary artery disease.
At that point my blood pressure got as high as 160/100.
Having ruled out cardiac causes of my pain, went on to diagnose H Pylori infection. Before leaving, one of the doctors told me I should get checked up for hypertension. But I'm not hypertensive!
Time and again, over a course of a week, had my BP taken at the local pharmacy. Always 140-150/95-100.
One day the pharmacist decided to talk me through and suggested we took the BP in a quarter of an hour.
All of a sudden we measure 130/90. Then another 10 minutes later 122/80!!! You get the idea...
My BP rarely rises above 130/85 and is mostly mid to low 110s/80s.

On the topic now, I've been routinely monitoring my heart ever since I quit smoking 8 years ago. A Coxsackie virus infection while at sea in 2018 caused me a severe, incessant pericarditis, fortunately without myocardial involvement or long term hardening of the pericardium.

But as I received treatment very late, the situation evolved into a multiple week hospitalization which ultimately failed to clear the condition and therefore, to the use of corticosteroids as last resort. A relapse 10 months later was the icing on the cake...

Thankfully, I've made a full recovery and I'm also left with the good habit of monitoring my health annually and that of course includes the heart.

While I'm not the kind of person who will work out in a gym and I do spend 8 hours at the office, I am very active at home and spend a lot of time walking. Spearfishing / swimming in the summer and hunting in the winter keep me fit and entertained.

While I'm not an athlete, I do enjoy a resting heart rate in the low forties and my usual heart rate in a calm condition is in the low sixties.

I'm not particularly careful about what I eat, I basically eat whatever I want whenever I feel like. I have some sort of sweet daily and my salt consumption is above average. With that said though, I do avoid fast food, fried and fatty stuff as well as any kind of soda/soft drink.
So far all exams are consistently perfect with nothing elevated or low. As I age, I will continue to adapt my eating habits and activities to whatever works best.

[binArt]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I should mention I too, am pre-hyper… whatever, for years. One problem is I have SEVERE Latrophobia. Before you go and look that it up it is a fear of Doctor’s, nurses, anything medically related. At home, my BP is 140/90 (ish). However when I go to the doctor it is routinely 150/100 or even higher. I am taking Lysinopril, either 10 or 20 MG. My cholesterol is 200 without any medicine, I take 5MG of Crestor and it is about 165, but my HDL SUCKS, like 35 or lower, (thanks mom and dad!). Those are the only medicines I take. I hate it, but realize it is for the best, so be it.

It's a miracle you are still alive. You are moments from oblivion. Surely you are not permitted to drive the Corvette!?!

I have some garage space. you can secure the Corvette there until you are well enough to drive.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by BNA/LION

Dude! You are ready to kick the bucket any day... Can I have the Corvette?

Originally Posted by binArt

It's a miracle you are still alive. You are moments from oblivion. Surely you are not permitted to drive the Corvette!?!

I have some garage space. you can secure the Corvette there until you are well enough to drive.

It brings a tear to my eye knowing you guys care so much…. About my car

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by minute_man

Paul, I can relate to the iatrophobia. A hospitalization four years ago helped me overcome this feeling to some extent.

A couple years before that, I visited the emergencies with severe stomach ache. Following protocol, doctors opted to screen me for the worst at first, especially after hearing that my late father suffered of coronary artery disease.
At that point my blood pressure got as high as 160/100.
Having ruled out cardiac causes of my pain, went on to diagnose H Pylori infection. Before leaving, one of the doctors told me I should get checked up for hypertension. But I'm not hypertensive!
Time and again, over a course of a week, had my BP taken at the local pharmacy. Always 140-150/95-100.
One day the pharmacist decided to talk me through and suggested we took the BP in a quarter of an hour.
All of a sudden we measure 130/90. Then another 10 minutes later 122/80!!! You get the idea...
My BP rarely rises above 130/85 and is mostly mid to low 110s/80s.

On the topic now, I've been routinely monitoring my heart ever since I quit smoking 8 years ago. A Coxsackie virus infection while at sea in 2018 caused me a severe, incessant pericarditis, fortunately without myocardial involvement or long term hardening of the pericardium.

But as I received treatment very late, the situation evolved into a multiple week hospitalization which ultimately failed to clear the condition and therefore, to the use of corticosteroids as last resort. A relapse 10 months later was the icing on the cake...

Thankfully, I've made a full recovery and I'm also left with the good habit of monitoring my health annually and that of course includes the heart.

While I'm not the kind of person who will work out in a gym and I do spend 8 hours at the office, I am very active at home and spend a lot of time walking. Spearfishing / swimming in the summer and hunting in the winter keep me fit and entertained.

While I'm not an athlete, I do enjoy a resting heart rate in the low forties and my usual heart rate in a calm condition is in the low sixties.

I'm not particularly careful about what I eat, I basically eat whatever I want whenever I feel like. I have some sort of sweet daily and my salt consumption is above average. With that said though, I do avoid fast food, fried and fatty stuff as well as any kind of soda/soft drink.
So far all exams are consistently perfect with nothing elevated or low. As I age, I will continue to adapt my eating habits and activities to whatever works best.

I am glad you are OK Basil, but let’s get to the important part. Since you live in the beautiful land of my ancestors…


Is my room ready?

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I am glad you are OK Basil, but let’s get to the important part. Since you live in the beautiful land of my ancestors…


Is my room ready?

Anytime, Paul!

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by minute_man

Anytime, Paul!

My grandparents came over to the US in 1909 and 1912. I tried to do some research about my ancestry but it gets a little fuzzy. My grandparents were from the North, Macedonian, (I am a personal descendent of Alexander and Phillip…. OK, maybe only in my dreams), but it looks like they spent one generation up North in Europe before coming to America.

Anyway, it’s on my bucket list to visit that incredible country

[subtona]

I monitor blood pressure regularly and have started a program for my coworkers about 1200 enrolled so far.

The program uses a device that has a feature to forward your readings directly to a cardiologist in real time. The cardiologists receive the data in an associated app and can set alarms that trigger outreach (phone calls and expedited appointments when suggested or 911 if warranted).

Many similar devices available, the part we have found especially valuable is the direct connection to the cardiologists.

This program was developed after losing a coworker to a heart attack. He was in excellent physical condition and was taken at 54 years old.

[binArt]

Originally Posted by subtona

I monitor blood pressure regularly and have started a program for my coworkers about 1200 enrolled so far.

The program uses a device that has a feature to forward your readings directly to a cardiologist in real time. The cardiologists receive the data in an associated app and can set alarms that trigger outreach (phone calls and expedited appointments when suggested or 911 if warranted).

Many similar devices available, the part we have found especially valuable is the direct connection to the cardiologists.

This program was developed after losing a coworker to a heart attack. He was in excellent physical condition and was taken at 54 years old.

Presumably the volume of real time data could not be reviewed in real time by a physician. It would have to be machine analyzed and the alarms reviewed. Is there a physical examination for the participants prior to enrollment to assess risk and establish alarm setpoints?

[THC]

Had an angiogram 2 years ago after a very high calcium test score.. no stints needed and Cardiologist said all is well.. genetics are huge however when it comes to heart and cholesterol

[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by subtona

I monitor blood pressure regularly and have started a program for my coworkers about 1200 enrolled so far.

The program uses a device that has a feature to forward your readings directly to a cardiologist in real time. The cardiologists receive the data in an associated app and can set alarms that trigger outreach (phone calls and expedited appointments when suggested or 911 if warranted).

Many similar devices available, the part we have found especially valuable is the direct connection to the cardiologists.

This program was developed after losing a coworker to a heart attack. He was in excellent physical condition and was taken at 54 years old.

wow, i'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and co-worker, but equally impressed by your initiative in creating a program that hopefully prevents anyone else from suffering a similar fate. if you don't mind my asking, what device are you using?

[subtona]

Originally Posted by binArt

Presumably the volume of real time data could not be reviewed in real time by a physician. It would have to be machine analyzed and the alarms reviewed. Is there a physical examination for the participants prior to enrollment to assess risk and establish alarm setpoints?

no physical required for enrollment though physicals are an annual routine at the job.

the alarm triggers are determined by the Dr.

the participants data is linked to a large area hospital, appointments are prioritized for participants. treatment is customized for participants. individuals would have to reach out for an individual routine appointment.

the additional benefit of the program/device is the record of readings are stored on your smart device and can easily be presented at the time of your appointment. ie two years / hundreds of readings at a glance for review by physician.

the goal was to minimize barriers and cost to participation. the impact for many participants has been an active interest in their measurements and just a bit of increased awareness of their own health. the program has saved several lives in the few years we have been operating.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

wow, i'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and co-worker, but equally impressed by your initiative in creating a program that hopefully prevents anyone else from suffering a similar fate. if you don't mind my asking, what device are you using?

thank you for the kind words.

the device is fairly generic, I prefer not to name it but I have come across many that provide similar function with a google search. key is the automatic transmission of data to health care professionals.

[KathleenL]

I've been under the care of a cardiologist since the early 1990s. First went to him because an X-ray ordered by my GP showed an enlarged heart. Apparently, the reading was in error, but the cardiologist found that I had high blood pressure. I was put on Toprol XL and have been taking it daily ever since then. Diovan (another high BP med) was added several years later. I take the Toprol XL in the morning, and the Diovan in the evening. One morning in mid-March 2018 I ended up in the ER because of chest pain. I'd been having "discomfort" for several days, which got to the point where I had to sit perfectly still in order to not be in pain. An EKG was done, blood was drawn (both from a vein and from an artery), X-ray was taken, etc. Then I was put through a nuclear stress test. I'd had that test done quite a few times before, but this was the worst pain of my life. I sobbed through the entire thing. And then I was taken to the Cath Lab and a stent was placed in my right cardiac artery, which was shown to be 99% blocked. At the time, my total cholesterol was 155 (it should be under 200) and my LDL was 101 (should be below 130). Nonetheless, I was put on Lipitor. The last time my blood was drawn was in December 2021 and my total cholesterol was 117 and my LDL was 54. Although I have high blood pressure, it is well controlled by the Toprol XL and Diovan. It's 121/64 with a HR of 57. And, I take the brand name of all three meds. I do not trust generics, unless it's an Authorized Generic.

[OYptL]

In two weeks I’ll be 59 with two heart attacks in my back pocket. Before I decided to leave Chicago My Cardiologists wanted to do an Ablation as I go in and out of AFIB frequently. Have had four cardioversions. For the last five yrs or soo I I’ve rode with CFD and my local County EMS about 21 times. Been admitted about 15 of those ER visits maybe 16. For yrs my Cardiologists couldn’t control my BP or heart rate. Finally the current cocktail of meds I’m on seem to be working but still not ideal. I’m in the severe obese category with my Mother and Father dying of Major HA’s in their mid sixties. I’m on Eliquis, hydralazine, losartin, metoprolol, furosemide 80 a day and metolazone for the heart. A couple head( mental) meds and Lyrica as well. OP just do the best you can in life and that’s it. Here are a couple of shots I decided to take and this went on for yrs. Best of luck with your health and happiness.