As most of my friends know that on August 28th I underwent a quadruple bypass surgical procedure at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton, MA. Having to undergo this procedure blew my mind. I still find it difficult that, it was me, that had his chest split wide open. One part of me is saying they made a mistake. The hospital mixed up my records with someone else, but they hadn’t.
Here I was, a person who exercised diligently for nearly all of my life. I quit running when I hit 73 and started a walking program. I was walking, at a pretty good clip for 80 to 90 minutes a day, five to six times a week. Twice a week I was working out with light weights to maintain body tone. My body weight was appropriate for my height and my Body Mass Index was under what was considered normal for my weight and height. Even if I say this myself, I was in pretty good shape for a 75 year old. I felt good. I felt energized every day. I wasn’t a fanatic about my diet, but I did watch it. I probably ate a bit more red meat than I should have, but I also thought I limited the cholesterol build-up factors through exercise.
The only issue I admit to, is, when walking up a grade I would get a little short-winded. I believed that to be normal. Once I leveled off, no problems. My breathing returned to normal. I almost blew off my PCP when it came time to taking my stress test. Because of family history, my PCP had me undergo a stress test every two years. Both parents had issues with their hearts, hypertension, strokes and my father also had a brain aneurism. However, I acquiesced to her and underwent the stress test. The cardiologist conducting the stress test stopped me midway stating I had a blockage and needed a catheterization.
I did review my Angiographic Findings. To make a long story short-I had four blocked arteries. Two were blocked at 90 percent, one at 80 percent and the fourth at 70 percent. Each doctor I spoke with, and there were many, were surprised that I did not feel any pain. Each of them said that I was fortunate not to have had a heart attack since my chances of survival were slim. The doctors over several discussions continually stated how lucky I was not to have had a heart attack.
And yet on October 15th my cardio blood-work showed the following. I should state up-front that my blood work earlier in the year displayed similar numbers. In fact, my PCP shouted, “Zoweee, your numbers are outstanding.” She couldn’t believe how good they were. By the way, she also had difficulty believing I needed bypass surgery.
Here they are: Cholesterol Level 112 mg/di. A good value is anything below 200. LDL Cholesterol, the really bad one, was 48 mg/di. A good value is anything less than 130 HDL Cholesterol, the really good one, was 55 mg/di. Anything greater than 40 is good. My cholesterol Ratio (LDL/HDL) was outstanding as was my Cholesterol/HDL ratio.
Based on blood test results for years, doctors have continually said to me, “Your chances of having a heart attack are extremely low.” My question to both the surgeon and cardiologist was,” With test results this good, how come I ended up with blocked arteries requiring bypass surgery?”
There answer was simple, “There is no accounting for genetics.”
I leave this blog asking you to consider this. If your parents have or had issues with congestive heart failure, hypertension, heart attacks, strokes or aneurisms talk to your physician about further screenings. Do this even if your cholesterol blood tests are satisfactory. Don’t take a chance. The life you save may be your own.
Ron Penczak 