Dr. FORD Brewer : So, the above... - British Heart Fou...

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Dr. FORD Brewer

fergusthegreat profile image
8 Replies

So, the above mentioned doctor is an American cardiologist who has now for many years specialised in preventative medicine.

He posts videos on line and after watching a few I think I agree with him that the main cause of ischmaetic coronary heart disease is inflammation in the artery which causes damage to the endothelium and allows cholesterol to enter the arterial wall and begin the process of forming a blockage.

He further states that the major cause of this inflammation is insulin resistance and far more people suffer from this than you realise.

Part of the problem is that nowadays doctors only test fasting glucose or Ha1C levels and you should be checking glucose levels 1 and 2 hours after eating as its this inability to properly control your glucose metabolism that causes the inflammation and subsequent problems.

I have to say he makes a lot of sense to me and I wondered how many people on here have developed heart disease and then found out that they are insulin resistant or diabetic?

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Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

Thanks for the post, it is very interesting and reinforces my belief that sugar, in all it's many forms, is a prime mover in causing blocked arteries. The society we live in loves fast food and obstinately refuses to consider alternative points of view, helped along by food companies that consider any attempt to reduce sugar as a direct attack on their profits.

Conventional wisdom is that fat consumption is the villain and challenging this point of view is difficult. I have read similar comments in other publications and one particular book sticks in my mind. 'Eat rich and live long' by Ivor Cummins and Jeffrey Gerber MD, goes into the science in some depth and considers that a CAC scan is an essential start before you look hard at your diet. They believe that the low carb diet is the way to go and I find their explanation convincing

in reply toIanc2

Have you had CAC scan on NHS, Ianc2?

Or, would that scan be available on NHS?

If the scan is proven to be so effective, everyone (passing a certain age range) should have it on the NHS?

Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2 in reply to

I had heart valves repaired 6 years ago, at age 69, and had various tubes shoved here and there and dye injected, etc. Interestingly my arteries were clear at that time. I agree with you about the preventative scans. At present 2 out 3 people suffering heart attacks die there and then, usually because their arteries are almost totally blocked.

One particular type of blockage causes the 'Widow maker' heart attack which is well known and reported on . However, as always, funding is the problem.

fergusthegreat,

I'm curious. If you are so athletic/active (outdoor type), what was your diet like?

In particular, red meat consumption?

Someone else commented on this hub, after 50 years old / possibly as early as turning 40 years old, nature says that your work is done, it's time to release you to make space for the next generations. So one day, you suddenly notice the blockage. You wouldn't have had that when you were, let's say, 22 years old.

Nature considers that your work is not done (or your work has just begun) when you were 22 years old. Your health is robust and well-protected. No / very few damage on your DNAs.

I often think there's the truth in this comment (not sure who said it). Someone on this hub.

fergusthegreat profile image
fergusthegreat in reply to

Hi, thanks for the question. I just celebrated my 54th birthday today. I had an exercise stress test last week and managed to achieve the full 21 minutes so yes I think I am fit and active but alas this is no great defence as the 2 times that I have been in hospital on the cardiac ward everyone has been slim, fit mid 50's and male.

The doctor thinks I am just unlucky or have bad genes but I disagree.

20 years ago I was 20kgs heavier than I am now, probably had undiagnosed high blood pressure, suffered from stress and was also probably insulin resistant due to a very poor diet consisting of a lot of red meat and highly processed carbohydrates.

I take far better care of myself now, have an average BP of 110/70 and fasting glucose below 5 and am 20kgs lighter.

I think the damage was done 20 years ago when my arteries got damaged through inflammation and the atherosclerosis process began.

I'm hoping that with the lifestyle changes I've made along with some medical help I can live a full life time but we will see.

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers

Actually youre completely wrong, you may post what you like as may I, we don't have to like what each of us say. However, I do believe you were the one accusing others of mockery & ridicule ....is this not what you're doing here???? It has been reported, which is what I suggested adaboo does if she feels she has been ridiculed or mocked!

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day in reply toLezzers

Quite well said, Lezzers. I think there are a few on the forum today who've woke up this morning and taken an exceptionally-unhappy pill :(

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers

And that excuses your behavior to me?

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