Heartattacks and strokes...check this simple test out..

[jackson]

Re your calcium score. I recently had the same test. MY reading 403 . I took th trouble to visit 3 different cardiologists which put my thoughts at ease somewhat as I had the printout results and could tell exactly the location and I did some intense reading about the calcium score. Plus watched some utube on it
So my understanding is that a calcium build up is relatively firm and stable and is not the real sudden danger of breaking away and causing a heart attack it is apparently the softer "plaque "in other places in the arteries that is more unstable .
Apparently some have had very low calcium scores and still had a heart attack. I had a severe heart attack 20 yrs ago and 3 stents fitted and no issues at all since then Touch wood!!!
Good luck with your investigation

[semperfiguy]

Re your calcium score. I recently had the same test. MY reading 403 . I took th trouble to visit 3 different cardiologists which put my thoughts at ease somewhat as I had the printout results and could tell exactly the location and I did some intense reading about the calcium score. Plus watched some utube on it
So my understanding is that a calcium build up is relatively firm and stable and is not the real sudden danger of breaking away and causing a heart attack it is apparently the softer "plaque "in other places in the arteries that is more unstable .
Apparently some have had very low calcium scores and still had a heart attack. I had a severe heart attack 20 yrs ago and 3 stents fitted and no issues at all since then Touch wood!!!
Good luck with your investigation

Last year I underwent the CT Calcium Score at one of the private hospitals in Udon since they were running a special promo for that along with two other tests. The score came back over 800 with an 85% chance of stroke or heart attack. I was sent directly to the head cardiologist, and he seemed unable to decipher the report or give me any advice or offer any suggestions how to reduce my odds of heart attack or stroke. His only comment....."it's okay....don't worry"! I figured if I drove to Khon Kaen to Q. Sirikit Heart Center, I could get a better explanation; however, I got the same flippant answers. I would have been better off to never have taken the test. It turns out that it was totally useless to me and only further increased my anxiety. In my estimation it's just another gimmick the hospitals use to increase sales and profits. They use scare tactics in advertising, charge big bucks for the test, and then leave you hanging with what to do with the information from the test results. It was a total waste of time and resources.

[jackson]

Re the calcium score /test I actually asked for it and the hospitals I enquired at will only do it there are no cardio symptons. If you have heart symptoms. .. pain...short of breathe etc they were adement they will not do it . If they didnt ask you first I'm supprised. My calcium was located before entering thr stent and somwhat throuhg it so yes now I've come to terms with it and as the docs. said just carry on doing what I've been doing . I took the effort to lose weigt and have good cholesterol readings and good blood pressure.
I aske for and had the usual scans and also an exersise test which considers your age b/p and heart rate . It only lasts for a few minutes with increasind incline and if you reach the heart rate during that time its a good indicator that you
have blood flow in excess of what youd nomally exert your self to Called The Bruce Protocol Treamill test. See google
I also had a myocardial perfusion test , see google.
So thats the best they can do without dye cardigram up into the heart which is a bit invasive unless you NEED it.
Having those tests which I asked for in Thailand during the last year put me ease somewhat. I don't exclude the fact that I don't know about tomorrow as no one can but I feel I've done all I can to lessen any anxiety.
None of the tests were expensive and I used two different hospitals. One a university training hospital and
a private one
We are what we are now so no good to worry but do what you feel comfortable with , it helps

[DuiDui49]

Re the calcium score /test I actually asked for it and the hospitals I enquired at will only do it there are no cardio symptons. If you have heart symptoms. .. pain...short of breathe etc they were adement they will not do it . If they didnt ask you first I'm supprised. My calcium was located before entering thr stent and somwhat throuhg it so yes now I've come to terms with it and as the docs. said just carry on doing what I've been doing . I took the effort to lose weigt and have good cholesterol readings and good blood pressure.
I aske for and had the usual scans and also an exersise test which considers your age b/p and heart rate . It only lasts for a few minutes with increasind incline and if you reach the heart rate during that time its a good indicator that you
have blood flow in excess of what youd nomally exert your self to Called The Bruce Protocol Treamill test. See google
I also had a myocardial perfusion test , see google.
So thats the best they can do without dye cardigram up into the heart which is a bit invasive unless you NEED it.
Having those tests which I asked for in Thailand during the last year put me ease somewhat. I don't exclude the fact that I don't know about tomorrow as no one can but I feel I've done all I can to lessen any anxiety.
None of the tests were expensive and I used two different hospitals. One a university training hospital and
a private one
We are what we are now so no good to worry but do what you feel comfortable with , it helps

Good on you,now do NOT sit back and get fat and see cholesterol climb.DIET...Exercise is the two words that help us to a better retirement life..Keep on trucking guys..laziness is NOT a word i personally like..Take care..

[DuiDui49]

You might already know the bad side effects from not taking care of your Blood pressure,if not i have some info to share.

Blood Pressure

https://ulfhedinnfitness.wordpress.com/ ... mlzARwIXYg

I have done my Cardio 50 min this morning,have you?

//Alfie

[Jello]

Last year I underwent the CT Calcium Score at one of the private hospitals in Udon since they were running a special promo for that along with two other tests. The score came back over 800 with an 85% chance of stroke or heart attack. I was sent directly to the head cardiologist, and he seemed unable to decipher the report or give me any advice or offer any suggestions how to reduce my odds of heart attack or stroke. His only comment....."it's okay....don't worry"! I figured if I drove to Khon Kaen to Q. Sirikit Heart Center, I could get a better explanation; however, I got the same flippant answers. I would have been better off to never have taken the test. It turns out that it was totally useless to me and only further increased my anxiety.

SFG, Sorry to hear that. I would have felt the same.
The video in this link gives a good explanation of the calcium score (what it is and what you can do about it).
https://youtu.be/KLXP2FHmKCc?si=kgRtDuMMob0cHj9t

What is the most important thing I can do if I have a high coronary calcium score?
Although your doctor may recommend a stress test or angiogram if you have a high calcium score, the most important thing you can do is lower your risk for future heart attack and death by healing your metabolism. And as we talked about earlier, that means optimizing the ten things science tells us can reduce the risk of heart disease by 80% – and add 12 or more years of healthy life –

1.Great blood pressure
2.Great cholesterol levels
3.Great blood sugar levels
4.A healthy weight
5.Regular physical activity
6.Healthy nutrition
7.Getting restorative sleep
8.Managing stress
9.Avoid toxins
10.Staying connected

If you have a high coronary calcium score, the most important thing to do is clear –
lower your risk.
https://www.healthspanmd.com/blog/help- ... e-now-what

[DuiDui49]

Last year I underwent the CT Calcium Score at one of the private hospitals in Udon since they were running a special promo for that along with two other tests. The score came back over 800 with an 85% chance of stroke or heart attack. I was sent directly to the head cardiologist, and he seemed unable to decipher the report or give me any advice or offer any suggestions how to reduce my odds of heart attack or stroke. His only comment....."it's okay....don't worry"! I figured if I drove to Khon Kaen to Q. Sirikit Heart Center, I could get a better explanation; however, I got the same flippant answers. I would have been better off to never have taken the test. It turns out that it was totally useless to me and only further increased my anxiety.

SFG, Sorry to hear that. I would have felt the same.
The video in this link gives a good explanation of the calcium score (what it is and what you can do about it).
https://youtu.be/KLXP2FHmKCc?si=kgRtDuMMob0cHj9t

What is the most important thing I can do if I have a high coronary calcium score?
Although your doctor may recommend a stress test or angiogram if you have a high calcium score, the most important thing you can do is lower your risk for future heart attack and death by healing your metabolism. And as we talked about earlier, that means optimizing the ten things science tells us can reduce the risk of heart disease by 80% – and add 12 or more years of healthy life –

1.Great blood pressure
2.Great cholesterol levels
3.Great blood sugar levels
4.A healthy weight
5.Regular physical activity
6.Healthy nutrition
7.Getting restorative sleep
8.Managing stress
9.Avoid toxins
10.Staying connected

If you have a high coronary calcium score, the most important thing to do is clear –
lower your risk.
https://www.healthspanmd.com/blog/help- ... e-now-what

Morning guys !

Jello,spot on if you ask me..those 10 tips should EVERYONE acknowledge..but sad to see not to many does.Instead most people use medicine instead of "hard work"..I give Jello a thumbs up for those 10 tips for us to follow .

//Alfie..

[Jello]

So my understanding is that a calcium build up is relatively firm and stable and is not the real sudden danger of breaking away and causing a heart attack it is apparently the softer "plaque "in other places in the arteries that is more unstable .

I was sent directly to the head cardiologist, and he seemed unable to decipher the report or give me any advice or offer any suggestions how to reduce my odds of heart attack or stroke. His only comment....."it's okay....don't worry"! I figured if I drove to Khon Kaen to Q. Sirikit Heart Center, I could get a better explanation; however, I got the same flippant answers.

SFG,
A long discussion in this link that you may find reassuring. A high calcium score may not be as bad as you might believe:

https://www.youtube.com/live/HzysuzE90C ... LhudFE9D2R

Start at 11 minute mark.

[DuiDui49]

So my understanding is that a calcium build up is relatively firm and stable and is not the real sudden danger of breaking away and causing a heart attack it is apparently the softer "plaque "in other places in the arteries that is more unstable .

I was sent directly to the head cardiologist, and he seemed unable to decipher the report or give me any advice or offer any suggestions how to reduce my odds of heart attack or stroke. His only comment....."it's okay....don't worry"! I figured if I drove to Khon Kaen to Q. Sirikit Heart Center, I could get a better explanation; however, I got the same flippant answers.

SFG,
A long discussion in this link that you may find reassuring. A high calcium score may not be as bad as you might believe:

https://www.youtube.com/live/HzysuzE90C ... LhudFE9D2R

Start at 11 minute mark.

Thanks Jello for that informative link.

Well my own personal take on different test and more is tha it's important to have a BASE LINE health test done atleast every year if you are at the age of say 50+..if you have diabetes/BP is high,overweigth and your exercise is zero or next to..get that baseline tests every 6 month..with the PSA.

And as stated before...do NOT GET LAZY...LAZY is a word i absolutely hate..But some of us do not care at all..UNTIL you have your firt stroke /heart attack...THEN,just maybe then,IF you survive the event you might be FORCED to change your lifestyle to a healthier one.
So do yourself a BIG favor,do not sit and be lazy..start with baby stepping to a healthier lifestyle...You have no excuse to put it off any longer..with all the info you have Online you can make a change,just over do it..one for/step at the time..Thai winter is coming soon so that could be a perfect starting point..Goodluck..

//Alfie wish you all a healthier life...

[DuiDui49]

America's epidemic of chronic illness is killing us too soon.

Sad reading indeed and a lengthy one.

https://news.yahoo.com/americas-epidemi ... UcU3Cjh9CT

//Alfie

[Jello]

None of the tests were expensive and I used two different hospitals. One a university training hospital and
a private one

Jackson,
Which hospitals and doctors would you recommend? I know many hospitals here can provide these tests, but like SFG, I’ve been dissatisfied with the lack of practical advice following medical tests I’ve had here.
(You can pm me if you’d prefer)

[DuiDui49]

None of the tests were expensive and I used two different hospitals. One a university training hospital and
a private one

Jackson,
Which hospitals and doctors would you recommend? I know many hospitals here can provide these tests, but like SFG, I’ve been dissatisfied with the lack of practical advice following medical tests I’ve had here.
(You can pm me if you’d prefer)

Well did you just sit there and not ask what he thought would be the best way for you to get "practical advice....."?
When i tryed VERY hard to get some more on "meat"on my body i ate alot,like Whole Milk,butter,more butter then Olive oil..and more...So i show up at Military Hospital for BIG blood draw..and sure my Cholesterol was borde high..She said it was time for some cholesterol Meds..I said i know were the problems lies,no thank you to Meds and see you i 3 month.Not a pip of what food i should maybe be careful of and what food and exercise could do for me,nothing.

That said.3 month later were i had chage my diet only,exercise as normal..and when the Dos saw me 3 month later she asked me how i manage to lower my Cholesterol that much in that short time span..and i told here what i have done and continue to do..DIET is the Magical word..And her answer was-You do not need any Meds.

So do not expect that the Thai Doctors will give you to many DIET tips..their answer is Medicine..and as yo might know..3-4 bags of Gods-knows-what...They are not trained to give "alternative (read DIET tips)or maybe lack of time.SO DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH my friend..Jello already given 10 tips to acive better longterm health with no Medicine or less of it.My tip only.

DIET IS NUMBER ONE..//Alfie

[jackson]

Jello
Of the hospitals in Udon I've found the military one very good BUT I went to was Samitivej (wasnt in Udon )the other was the Burapha University Hospital, in Chonburi.I just went in and asked for an appointment with THE SPECIALIST of what ever I wanted. They couldn't be more helpful.

[Jello]

Jello
Of the hospitals in Udon I've found the military one very good BUT I went to was Samitivej (wasnt in Udon )the other was the Burapha University Hospital, in Chonburi.I just went in and asked for an appointment with THE SPECIALIST of what ever I wanted. They couldn't be more helpful.

Thank you for the helpful response!

[DuiDui49]

What are the common risk factors associated with heart attacks, and how can individuals proactively reduce their risk of experiencing a heart attack through lifestyle changes and preventive measures?
Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, can result from a combination of risk factors. Some of the common risk factors associated with heart attacks include:

1. **Age:** The risk of heart attack increases with age, especially for men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55.

2. **Gender:** Men have a higher risk of heart attack than premenopausal women, although the risk for women increases after menopause.

3. **Family History:** A family history of heart disease or heart attacks can elevate an individual's risk.

4. **High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):** Elevated blood pressure can strain the heart and increase the risk of heart attack.

5. **High Cholesterol:** High levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

6. **Smoking:** Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease, as it damages blood vessels and reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

7. **Obesity:** Excess body weight, especially when concentrated around the abdomen, is associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

8. **Diabetes:** Diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, especially when blood sugar levels are poorly controlled.

9. **Physical Inactivity:** Lack of regular physical activity is a risk factor for heart disease. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes cardiovascular health.

10. **Unhealthy Diet:** Diets high in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and processed foods contribute to heart disease risk.

11. **Stress:** Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease through various mechanisms, including elevated blood pressure and unhealthy coping behaviors.

12. **Alcohol Consumption:** Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to heart disease. Moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits for some people, but excessive drinking is harmful.

To proactively reduce the risk of experiencing a heart attack, individuals can take several lifestyle changes and preventive measures:

1. **Healthy Diet:** Adopt a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.

2. **Regular Exercise:** Engage in regular physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise each week, along with strength training exercises.

3. **Smoking Cessation:** Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

4. **Maintain a Healthy Weight:** Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

5. **Blood Pressure Control:** Monitor blood pressure regularly and take steps to keep it within a healthy range through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication.

6. **Cholesterol Management:** Control cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and, if needed, medication prescribed by a healthcare provider.

7. **Manage Diabetes:** If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare team to manage blood sugar levels effectively.

8. **Stress Reduction:** Practice stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, or hobbies that help you relax.

9. **Limit Alcohol:** If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation, following guidelines recommended by healthcare professionals.

10. **Regular Check-Ups:** Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to assess your heart health and address any risk factors.

11. **Medication Adherence:** If prescribed medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, or other heart-related conditions, take them as directed by your healthcare provider.

12. **Stay Informed:** Educate yourself about heart health, risk factors, and preventive measures.

It's important to note that individual risk factors and strategies for prevention can vary, so consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations based on your specific health profile. Regular medical check-ups and discussions with your healthcare team are essential for managing and reducing the risk of heart attacks..

SOURCE:QUORA.

//Alfie..

[DuiDui49]

[b]An Apo B test is a blood test that can help you know your risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Healthcare providers are finding that this test is more accurate than a lipid panel test, especially for people with certain conditions. Ask your provider if an Apo B test is right for you.[/b]

Next blood draw for me is Jan -2024 and i will try to get this APO b-100 test instead of the usual Lipid Test.More about this test here:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/d ... ein-b-test

https://youtu.be/D8wnbLTFe2w

Have a healthy day everyone..//Alfie

[glalt]

I have been on high blood pressure control drugs for probably 35 years. I was taking 20 mg of Enaril. When I moved upcountry. The drugstore up here substituted Anapril telling me it is the same thing. I couldn't tell any difference so It must be about the same. About one and a half years ago my blood pressure dropped quite a bit after I lost a lot of weight when I had Covid so I began cutting the 20 mg tablets in half. My blood pressure stays pretty constant with 10 mg. It runs about 126/72. I'm 78 years old. My old blood pressure machine was showing its age so I bought a new Omron tester. They both read about the same so the old one was still reliable.

Due to the loss of weight I went to the hospital for a complete physical. I smoke so was concerned with having cancer. The MRI and other tests came out not showing anything suspicious. I had lost my sense of smell and taste for several months and also lost my appetite. I went from 175 pounds down to 150 pounds.