This is such a useful community for support, reassurance and possible answers to everyday queries. Recently though I’m finding some of the posts a bit worrying. There seem to be several people who think they have all the answers and back those up with only their own experience or their “research”
“Research” isn’t about finding information to only back up your own little theories. It’s about reading and discussing very widely then comparing, contrasting and reasoning. It’s why people study (under guidance) for many years before they’re let loose on the public as doctors.
Don’t believe all you read unless the writer has proper stated credentials.
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Zoesgranny
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Yeah me too, BTW, Gunsmoke123 please don't lose your irreverent sense of humour, it's helped me on many a dark day!! Though, if you use it against me, be afraid, be very afraid!! 😨! 🤔 ☺
When researching, people may tend to focus only on what they're looking for. What works for one does not necessarily work for another, i.e. My husband had massive heart attack & cardiac arrest 21 year's ago. He's followed the NHS/BHF recommendations for diet & life style, he's taken statins for 15+ years without side effects. He now has HF due to the original damage but no further issues other than those associated with HF. This approach goes completely against what others are suggesting, has he just been lucky, maybe!! Good luck with this post, probably a case of light the blue paper & stand well back.
Life with a heart condition is challenging but it's still life to be enjoyed!! We're sticking with tried & trusted. Contrary to some beliefs I really don't buy the theory that the BHF/NHS won't change their stance on diet because of the money that's been invested in it!! How many of the alternatives are profit driven!
The two people I have mentioned before that are over 40 years post heart attack and post bypass respectively both follow the Mediterranean diet and take stains. Both are in their early/mid nineties and the lady enjoys regular cream teas!
My mom had a HA and bypass x3 at age 70, lived to be 97 and died of a stroke, no bypass redo. Her diet consisted of pepsi, candy, coffee and occaisiinally something healthy. She hated water, never drank plain water, lol.
Thanks for posting this. I too have found some of the posts concerning. I thought it might be helpful to post a couple of useful websites to access up to date research based information NICE (I have been involved with NICE as a patient rep on guidelines and scientific committees and can say that their processes are very robust)
We are very fortunate that we have institutions such as NICE and the NIHR here in the UK to support the use of researched evidence based healthcare into the NHS and Public health.
I spotted a post a while ago which got into diet, and someone chirped in about some Doctor who claimed he could reverse heart damage by (buying his book) and following his diet plan.
I don't fall for this type of thing, but out of curiosity had a look on a well known online shopping site (we can't mention names can we? but it starts with A) he's American (as was the poster) and he must write a book a week, and claims to be able to reverse heart damage, dementia, Parkinson's - basically every ill know to man - just buy my book!
Sadly there are people out there who are in a very bad place and are willingly to try anything to see if it will help them.
Personally I'd like to see posts that are advocating unproven remedies which gently push people in the direction of parting with they're money taken down - they have no place on this or any of the other sites accessed Heath Unlocked
I read a post that said diet can reverse heart failure!! Eer, no it can't!! Diet, lifestyle & medication can help to the heart to function better & slow the progress but it won't cure it, heart failure is a progressive condition. I would like to have made this comment on that post but couldn't face the backlash, it can be intimidating especially when comments become personal.
Yes I was tempted to make a comment too, but the comments already made were starting to get quite sharp, and with some of these people, the fact that you disagree with their stand only seems to reinforce their belief that they are right and the rest of us must be nuts not to see sense.
As I said, would like to see this type of tread taken down - no place on here.
Completely agree, the site isn't very well policed at all. Somebody from admin really needs to monitor the posts or let the heart stars do it. I'm pretty sure there must be a number of people, who like me, skip past these posts instead of maybe giving some helpful advice. There is nothing wrong in anyone giving their opinion or suggestions but to continue arguing in this way cannot be helping the original poster at all!! I belong to a number of groups/sites and this is the only one where this is allowed to happen. And, having been on the receiving end before now believe me its not pleasant!
Hi Zoesgranny. So glad this has been posted. This is an excellent Community but sometimes I have read some of the Posts and have become worried. Sometimes so that I have had to log out!
I agree with all of the above. I think it’s also worth noting, Health Unlocked forums are against an NHS framework, as such I believe advice should tread a similar line to what our doctors and cardiologists advise. I’m all for freedom of choice but I don’t see this forum as a platform for alternative treatments which go against everything we are trying to achieve. I know sometimes ‘anecdata’ is suggested grounds for proof, and Google will happily give you results which you are searching on the basis of confirmation bias - ie filtering out anything which doesn’t support you view.
Bearing in mind we share experiences/concerns with regards to our NHS-directed treatment plans I feel the best support can be around this.
My mum got seriously hooked on all the alternative things when she was around 40. Spent loads, is still non-compliant with meds prescribed (she has familial hypercholestimia) and has also advocated my dad and brother off their meds. My brother (having had a mini stroke already) doesn’t take anything he is prescribed and I’m very worried for them. Yes, more anecdata, but I honestly cannot believe all the global doctors have shares in lean chicken and fish so their advice makes them money.
I don’t buy the ‘Big Pharma’ conspiracy and find the zealous pushing of such beliefs frankly dangerous. Don’t get me started on anti-vaxxers!
Most definitely agree. Of course we can post about OUR experience but that’s all it is OUR experience. I love reading people post about things they have done that have worked for them and some things are worth trying. That said we are all different, some of us have existing medical issues that have to be part of the risk assessment as well as different heart issues and lifestyles.
I do wish ‘some’ people post for the I and not presume to know what’s best for everyone.
Luckily those people are in the minority and this still is a helpful and supportive site.
I know someone of 98 who is the primary carer for his young wife (she is only about 90 but her true age us a secret). He has a simple continental breakfast (occasionally with cheese/ham), cooks them a meat/fish plus two veg lunch and for summer a sandwich with a side salad. Cake is a Sunday treat. Works for him so you might make it!
You can find an article on Google to prove any point of view.
I am glad that most of you think the Mediterranean diet is good - and "you" do not advocate the Ancel Keys high-carb diet, which has been WHO, SAD, and NHS advice for decades.
When the doctors do not agree - they cannot all be right?
What I think regarding these forums is that a person realises they are not on their own no matter what they have recently been diagnosed with or awaiting test results someone else has either been in their place or can contribute to what they are going through
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Thank you 
READ IF YOUR FEELING DOWN ❤️
Used all my spoons and a ladle !!!
Don’t run before you can walk.
Well! on the count down now for hole in the heart closure, but complicated, the butterflies have moved in 🙂
