[SeabeckS]

Lane,

Yeah, it was a large caliber bullet! They did say I had a 90% chance of brain damage due to the duration of CPR and emergency surgery...so I didn't completely dodge that bullet! LOL

My problem was mostly the result of cholesterol/tryglicerides that sort of snuck up on me. Prior to my first heart problem I'd spent years in the fire service with annual exams that always came back with a clean "Bill" of health. But, I decided to make a career change in my late 30's, and the result was no more mandatory annual exams. My cardiologist says that many people (men and women) go through the first part of their life with no blood lipid problems, then in their early 40's (men) or 50's (women) the liver undergoes a genetically controlled change and quits effectively screening for the nasty stuff.

I had 4 angioplasties in 18 months, which also caused inflammatory reactions in my immune system. This is more well understood these days then it was in the early 90's. Biggest factor in my lifestyle change was early retirement. Had an EXTREMELY stressful job, eventually 4 people were hired to fill my shoes...! So, I get a moderate bit of exercise, watch what I eat, take a "cocktail" of meds to control the lipid profile and help my heart work a bit more smoothly. Have constant angina due to the half dollar size scar tissue on the left side of my heart, but I've learned to live with it pretty well.

Big lesson for other people is to be aware of metabolic changes in their early 40's/50's. This is one part of the equation that I believe is just not talked about enough, or loudly enough, in the health care industry. I had "perfect" cholesterol and a strong heart until Dec 7th, 1989. Avoiding that first heart episode is critical to avoiding the systemic inflammation issue for those with potential for athersclerosis. Helps to know family history, I found out 10 years ago that I had two half-brothers that died of heart disease at ages of 29 and 38!

So the direct answer to your question? No, I don't lead a perfect lifestyle, but DO follow my cardio doc's advice perfectly. My doc is semi-retired, he held the patents for many of the devices used for angioplasty and sold the rights a few years ago...now THAT is a retirement plan! I'm very fortunate to have him on my "team".

Take Care! BJ