Lost my dad at 68. Genetics vs lifestyle question

[onkyo]

I am terribly sorry to hear about your fathers passing.....

It sounds like you are doing all the right things - good diet, exercise, etc. Make sure you get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked with your primary care doctor. I believe you have a good chance of living a long health life.

ps.... my father died at 58 of a heart attack. I am 40.

[bgriz]

Thank you everyone who has responded on this, I really appreciate the condolences and all the good advice and suggestions that have been shared.

I guess genetics are genetics, can't change that.... but I intend to continue to do all that is within my control to maximize the chances of living longer. Can't see much downside in that.

[incontrol]

Originally Posted by masterserg

I think genetics is 99%. Healthy lifestyle choices and diet are like small corrections on the steering wheel.

I am really sorry about your Dad's passing.

I agree with masterserg!

My opinion is we are going to go when the fat lady sings and there is not that much we can do about it! Enjoy your life every day!

[masterserg]

I am in the same camp by the way, heart disease on both my father's and mother's side. Nevertheless, my dad is 73 and super healthy (with regular exercise and a good diet). In my personal case, the thing that worries me the most is stress, considering my own genetic info.

Stress (my dad is a cardiologist and we talked about it) is one of the single most damaging factors.

Like I said above, genetics is genetics and it is cruel ... in the meantime, we do what we can to go around it and delay.

I didn't mention on my previous posts, I am sorry about your father.

[airchitect]

Originally Posted by masterserg

I think genetics is 99%. Healthy lifestyle choices and diet are like small corrections on the steering wheel.

Firstly, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I dread the day. On this issue though I would agree with the above. My mom's dad passed in his 50s from a heart attack. My dad's mom passed away from a heart attack. My mom had one at 43. Both of my parents (and many of their siblings) have had open-heart/bypass procedures.......like you say its in the cards for me someday. I think the majority of influence here is genetic. Your choices factor into other issues that could come up in your life like cancer, diabetes, stroke, etc..... Its the reason that some can smoke forever, eat like hell, be a couch potato, and just live recklessly, with no issues. While others do it all right, and die at 29 from a stroke. Go figure.

[lavaman]

sorry to hear of the passing of your father.


as for the rest, I thnk certain lifestyle choices are clearly not helpful (drugs, smoking, and anything in excess).

but then, we all know "lifers" who smoked 2 packs a day for decades and outlived everyone. we all know people who subsisted on bacon and eggs their whole life and who outlived their kids and then some.

i think you do your best to avoid the obvious stuff, and realize that we are all going some day, so i guess it depends on the quality of the ride, because it is going to end one day and there's nothing we can do about it. so have a glass of red, laugh with your friends, go easy on the Cheetos and the bon bons, take the stairs, get a dog and go for walks.

who knows

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by lavaman

sorry to hear of the passing of your father.


as for the rest, I thnk certain lifestyle choices are clearly not helpful (drugs, smoking, and anything in excess).

but then, we all know "lifers" who smoked 2 packs a day for decades and outlived everyone. we all know people who subsisted on bacon and eggs their whole life and who outlived their kids and then some.

i think you do your best to avoid the obvious stuff, and realize that we are all going some day, so i guess it depends on the quality of the ride, because it is going to end one day and there's nothing we can do about it. so have a glass of red, laugh with your friends, go easy on the Cheetos and the bon bons, take the stairs, get a dog and go for walks.

who knows

There's a rib joint here in Boston and the owner sells a T shirt that says "Exercise, diet, loose weight, die anyway. EAT PORK!!"

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by bgriz

Thank you everyone who has responded on this, I really appreciate the condolences and all the good advice and suggestions that have been shared.

I guess genetics are genetics, can't change that.... but I intend to continue to do all that is within my control to maximize the chances of living longer. Can't see much downside in that.

That's exactly the right attitude Brian! I am very sorry about your father by the way, mine went quite some time ago. You and I probably are more prone to a heart attack, thanks to mom and dad, we can't do anything about that, so we do what we CAN, which is all the things stated above.

[bgriz]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

That's exactly the right attitude Brian! I am very sorry about your father by the way, mine went quite some time ago. You and I probably are more prone to a heart attack, thanks to mom and dad, we can't do anything about that, so we do what we CAN, which is all the things stated above.

Thanks Paul! Ironic we were PM'ing about bp and related matters a few months back.

TRF is the best. I appreciate the diverse group we have, as well as the high level of intelligent opinion. Having you all is like having a few hundred well informed friends to talk to. Thanks for all the support!

Brian