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If you have experienced a heart attack then you may be able to play a big role in reducing the risk of your siblings and children getting one just by advising them to get their blood screened at their next medical checkup.
Think about it: (3 siblings + 3 children = 6 opportunities at prevention TIMES millions who have experienced heart attack) = big reductions in the incidence of cardiac failure.
Little things can go a long way to help in heart attack prevention.
The test is simple, the cost is low, and if problems are found they can be treated BEFORE a heart attack occurs. -
Courtesy of: Dr. Thomas Allison, Mayo Clinic Cardiology Consultant.
Here is what should be tested for in the blood screening:
- Glucose
- Cholesterol Profile (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides)
- Lipoprotein (a)
- Homocysteine
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein .
NY TIMES SERIES ON HEALTH:
Lessons of Heart Disease, Learned and Ignored
By GINA KOLATA
NY Times
Published: April 8, 2007
Keith Orr thought he would surprise his doctor when he came for a checkup.
His doctor had told him to have a weight-loss operation to reduce the amount of food his stomach could hold, worried because Mr. Orr, at 6 feet 2 inches, weighed 278 pounds. He also had a blood sugar level so high he was on the verge of diabetes and a strong family history of early death from heart attacks. And Mr. Orr, who is 44, had already had a heart attack in 1998 when he was 35.
But Mr. Orr had a secret plan. He had been quietly dieting and exercising for four months and lost 45 pounds. He envisioned himself proudly telling his doctor what he had done, sure his tests would show a huge drop in his blood sugar and cholesterol levels. He planned to confess that he had also stopped taking all of his prescription drugs for heart disease.
To read more Click HERE.
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