I have had long covid from Nov 2020 but my main concern is results of cardic coronary angiogram showed narrowing of main artery and high calcium levels. He has increased BP tablets as it is high also arranged me to get bloods to check cholesterol and sugar levels. Any advice or guidance will be greatly appreciated. My dad died very suddenly at age of 62 with heart attack π
Scared and worried π: I have had long... - British Heart Fou...
Scared and worried π
High calcium levels could be a parathyroid problem, you need phosphate, VitD, parathyroid and calcium all tested at the same time.
It looks like you are on the road to getting sorted out and to prevent the inevitable result of the narrowing of arteries. Many of us are blissfully unaware of having such issues until we have a heart attack. Hopefully the blood tests will show your GP the way forwards.
Best wishes for the future,
Gerald
What caused your father's heart attack (62 is SO young, you have my deepest sympathies at your loss) - was it 'lifestyle' or something congenital? Either way, be sure to flag that up with your medics as it could be an important bit of information for them when they're working out a treatment plan for you.
Long Covid is showing up as so many different complications of the virus, from kidney and 'gut' to heart, brain, more including have the effect of 'uncovering' previously undiagnosed conditions owing to the virus attacking and worsening anything it senses as weak or vulnerable.
I have a feeling medics and researchers are going to be years on discovering all the ways the virus causes and complicates the condition now known as 'Long Covid'.
I'm sorry to hear about your Long Covid, but the fact that you have had an angiogram that has detected an otherwise hidden problem is fortuitous, even though it may not seem it right now. Both my mother and grandfather died of heart attacks in their 50s . At the age of 50 I was diagnosed with extensive heart disease, due to inherited ultra high cholesterol, and have been looked after by the NHS ever since. I am now 69 and still enjoying an active life, something I would have thought impossible when first diagnosed. There may be lifestyle changes that are necessary and some medications to get use to and possibly even some interventions further down the road, but there is always the support of this forum and the bhf nurses. We all understand the anxiety that comes with a sudden diagnosis and the unknown consequences. P.S. Do not use Dr Google. This website has lots of better more balanced information..
Thank you for your reply. This reasurres me i can go on to have a active lifestyle π can you please advise me of do's and dont's x
Hi Lottielou, if you're a smoker then smoking is definitely out. After you've had you blood test results you can find out more specific advice, but generally a Mediterranean type diet is recommended, lots of veg, low salt, low saturated fats and fish and vegetable protein rather than red meat. The bhf website has advice on diet. I would say avoid processed foods because they tend to be low in fibre and high in sugar and salt. I think most people would say it's okay to drink in moderation, but ideas on that may have changed. As you have Long Covid, I think you need personal medical advice on the appropriate level of exercise for now. It's important not to overdo it on days you feel well, but to take it steady. I hope this helps. You can ring the bhf nurses for further advice. I've always found them very helpful and supportive. Good Luck on your recovery journey.π