Just a bit of background. Was suffering from anxiety attacks and heart palpitations last Sep. Was referred to a cardiologist (privately). Did the usual tests (holt ecg / Echo / CTCA). Whilst the ecg and echo came back with no issues, unfortunately CTCA showed moderate( 50%) stenosis in mid-LAD. Calcium score low but still in top 25% quartile given age. Apart from high cholesterol since young age - no other health issues.
Family History of heart diseases - dad had heart-attack at young age and CABG, but eventually died from heart failure at 67.
Fast forward 3 months after diagnosis, my cholesterol has dropped from >6 to 2.3 from tripple attack on CAD (ie medicine, heart healthy diet, exercise).
While I am happy with the effect and response of the treatment and lifestyle changes on lipid levels - I will admit it has been a rollorcoaster ride to say the least. The biggest gripe I have - why me and why so early? I knew from my history that at some stage I would get heart issues, but never did I assume so early. I am a lot healthier than my dad ever was - but still couldnt shake of the bad genes.
I have always enjoyed life and cooking / eating good tasting food has always been big thing. Heart healthy diet is good - but no match for the tasty food I had before. I do feel that my quality/enjoyment of life has taken a knock. Is this really the life I wanna lead till I die? If this would have happened at 60 - then so be it as part of ageing..
So - as you can tell I am confused, angry and a bit lost. Then there is also the unknown what could happen if you have CAD.
I have a lovely family and very supporting wife - but dont want to burden her with all this negativity. I know she feels for me and I try to stay positive in front of her and the kids.
C'est la vie - as the French would say. Still have the occasional chest pain/discomfort but Cardiologist not too concerned. A lot of rambling and apologies for that - probably reflects my staye of mind atm.
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TasteLessFood4Life
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Unfortunately CHD can impact at any age it seems, although clearly the older you are the more likely it is to occur, which is certainly the case if the body continues to lay down arterial plaque unchecked. But in your case your condition has been identified, you apparently don't have any other heart related issues other than plaque laydown, and you are taking life and medication steps to reduce your heart health risk, and given medical advances you are in a much better place than your father and any forebears who may have a genetic link to CHD. I share a little similarity with your situation in that I found out over 25 years ago, when I was at a similar age to you, that I had a lipid count of over 9. Subsequent to this I have been taking statins ever since, and although I had a mild HA about six years ago and now take more medication, I am still here as evidenced by this post! I have said several times on this forum that statins have saved my life, and one of the reasons for that is it is my belief that although all of my heart arteries have moderate to severe blockage of some sort as discovered at the time of my HA by angiogram, the majority of this was likely to have happened before I started taking statins coupled with life style measures, since a further angiogram some months back confirmed no further change to arterial plaque levels. So in your case I suggest you put aside any concerns you have, be thankful that your heart issues have been identified, continue with the measures you have in place but be vigilant about any deterioration in your situation, but above all enjoy life, as I do. Good luck.
Hey man welcome to the club you don’t want to join ! I got diagnosed with Afib October 22 then by Dec 22 I was diagnosed with exactly the same as you 50-75% moderate stenosis of LAD got my diagnosis on my 47th birthday 😬.
I’ve always been slim and fit actively surfing and running. I was vegetarian for 16 years but if I’m honest in drank too much through my 20s-30s and certainly ate some tasty snacks ! Lived for cheese and crisps and chips.
My dad also had a triple heart bypass in his 50s but it was cancer that took him down at 67 my parents were divorced and my dad lived in the US so I never fully took in the impact it had on him and this never took it seriously.
I have many friends that eat a far worse diet and drink more booze and do zero exercise and smoke ! And they’re currently doing fine whilst I’m not ! Seems unfair …
but for the first 6 months I was terrified and angry and regretful I have a young son and a felt cheated about so many things ! Like enjoying a cake or bag of crisps without guilt or having a few beers which thanks to my Afib is now out.
A couple of people on this site chappy chap and that was unexpected gave me some great advice and some hope as have many others. I had surgery for my AF which worked but also ended up with complications ! Internal bleeding and collapsed lung aren’t fun !
So it’s been a rough ride but it does get easier. I will need a stent or bypass at some point and the current state of the NHS is a little bit of a worry.
Like you’ve I’ve been eating a very healthy diet and focussing on all the good things. It’s taken me months to recover mentally and physically from my AF operation but I’ve done it.
I would say therapy via a private therapist has been amazing. Also learning about Stoicism and Zen.
Anywas I have made a comment for while ! But thought I would as you sound similar to me albeit without the AF or complicated surgery ,which means you’re doing even better than me hahahah.
Basically you’re going to be in better position than the majority of people who don’t know and amongst even the people you know some will be walking around unaware of what’s brewing,where as you’re informed and making changes that will be of huge benefit to living a long and healthy life.
But i total sympathise on feeling how you’re feeling it’s a huge shock and a massive change and a look into being mortal and at 47 it’s a total bastard !!! I’d hoped to avoid this stuff until I was at least 60 ! That’s life though it’s all part of life’s journey. I feel im a stronger and more balanced person than I was before.
I can definitely relate to you - life is a rollarcoaster with ups and downs - you just have to find a way to deal with this unfortunate news. Man I miss the days of going for a takeaway or having a nice dessert without thinking about the fat/cholesterol/sugar. But situations like these give you a better perspective on life and emphasise what is important. Life is too short to be worrying all the time just have to go with the flow and accept what has happened has happened and try to minimise the risk factors as much as possible.
I agree with everything you’ve said ! But yeah life’s too short and it was my son’s birthday at the weekend and I ate a good few slices of chocolate cake. Gotta live sometimes 😂
My father died from heart attack at 56. I am on statins and trying to keep healthy. In my 70s now. I walk each day and use a lot of Pinch of Nom recipes which are healthier but really tasty and can be downloaded of the net.
I’m so sorry to hear about your early diagnosis; what a shock for you and your family. Hope you are doing ok processing this news.
I stumbled across your post as I have just been told yesterday that I too have CAD (moderate stenosis of LAD) and came looking for answers/info. I got my diagnosis from a contrast CT ordered to “rule out other issues” following a dodgy ECG.
Like you, I am pretty upset and confused. I’m 39, female, not overweight, don’t smoke and have normal range cholesterol (LDL 1.2) with no family history. I’m relatively active (we have a 4 & 5 year old). I have always loved fine dining and home cooking! I’ve not been advised to change my diet but perhaps I should?
TBH I’m not really sure where to go from here - the 10 minute GP appointment didn’t quite cut it and feel like I have a million questions, but also don’t really know what to ask. Mostly confused because I don’t fit the profile and have no risk factors yet here I am with CAD before 40.
Anyway, I just wanted to say sorry to hear that others are in a similar boat. All quite a shock! Keep us posted on your journey if you feel you want to. I wonder if there is any support specifically for people at the younger end of the scale?
I’ve been prescribed statins and have just taken the first one…..
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis, like me it came as a massive shock..The only silver lining that I can see is that luckily it has been diagnosed and treatment has started. For many, they dont have that luxury and only find the unfortunate news after a cardiac event. So, try to turn the negative into a positive.
CAD is not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination. Many people lead meaningful lives way beyond their diagnosis.
Human body is an amazing instrument and tool - it will adopt to changes and with medicine and healthy lifestyle - you will be alright and have nothing to fear. Also, as we have encountered this at a relatively young age - it is easier to make changes at this stage.
I am still dealing with the mental side of things - in the first couple of days - I remember thinking I might not make to the next day - fearing something might happen. Luckily, I am beyond that and sleeping much better now. I still get the odd pain in chest/arm but cardiologist says it is nothing to be concerned about.
I wish you the best - you are still young/healthy and still have a lot to look forward too - dont forget!
I so so feel for you, I will admit I’m older than you, 62 but as you say, it still has come as a shock, as I was given exactly the same diagnosis as you. I’m really good with the diet and I don’t have regular take aways, I always try to eat veg salads, fish and white meats. I don’t drink only occasionally have a glass of wine. I don’t smoke and am not overweight, have 3 dogs which 2 are border collies so need plenty of exercise. I say this because I was told in a 4 min consultation with the cardiologist, on the phone!!! As all my consults have been, no face to face contact, that I still need to do more exercise and eat a healthy diet. It’s as if no one is listening to you, and that is the hardest thing I’m finding with all of this. I have so many questions and like other members, there seems only so many sites you can access for info. , I can’t seem to get a straight answer from anyone, I think if you could, we’d all feel a lot better and probably would be able to live with all this in a more positive way. I don’t know how you’re feeling, but I feel like a ticking time bomb, I feel I’ve been told this is it, and off you go, no further check ups. I did say so when do I know if things aren’t working or getting worst? Only to be told, if your symptoms change or you have a stroke or HA!!! I feel so lonely and confused, and I don’t want to put on my family either. I do hope things will get better for you, and for all of us in this situation. So sorry to rant on, but I’m sure all of us feel like this too. 😊
Thanks for your message. I can relate to most of the stuff you have said.
The way I see it - a good analogy is with a Car. We have had a MOT, there are some blockages in the engine - but the key is that it has been diagnosed and work has started to keep the engine going and not choking. Many - people dont have that luxury and only find this out when it is too late. That is the 'good' news in all this.
Now being healthy and fit doesnt always correlate with cvd. Fitness coaches and fit people get cardiac events too - mostly due to bad genes, unfortunately.
I am on statins now and the purpose of it is 2 folds, (1) decrease cholesterol and (2) stabilise the plaque so it doesnt cause any issue further down the line.
Like yourself - I have my ups and downs, but try not to think too much about it and what might happen in the future. It is pointless - any of us can be runover by a car in the future and die because of that? So, why worry then?
Finally, I get stressed whenever I read too much information online. I try to strike a balance and resume normality as much as possible. Something has happened after the diagnosis, but it was probably there for many years before. Apart from being healthy and taking meds - no need to be different.
Thank you soo much for your kind words, you are so right, it’s just frustration I think most of the time for me. I do like your analogy with the car, lol, and it’s makes total sense. I do hope things are good with you, and we all get use to living with this new way of life, it’s nearly summer and then I’m sure it will make things seem so much easier. Take care 😊
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