A fit, healthy 43 year old father of 2 drops dead running up a hill...he was aware of heart disease in his family, had just been to the doctor and been checked, he was told he had bit of elevated cholesterol, but OK...he is young, fit and the factors are in his favor. How on EARTH did that happen????
We can go to our doctor and have basic tests done. We may even go to a cardiologist and have more tests done. HOWEVER, one of the key indicators of artery thickening and blockage cannot be seen by standard tests! We all must insist on having a CALCIUM SCORE. This test is a high resolution, non invasive scan of our arteries, and each is given a "score" based on % of blockage, if any. This way we can choose to be proactive, and take preventative measures to ensure our heart is healthy instead of having the worst case scenario strike us down. I was told I had elevated cholesterol for years, and that I should consider statins, as I am a "mature" adult. I have read all about statins and refuse to go on them. I asked my doctor about the calcium score, which I learned about from a documentary from an American cardiologist called "The Last Heart Attack"...on Youtube if you want to have a look.
The cardiologist asked why I wanted that test, which horrified me! We should ALL have a benchmark calcium score at 40-45, then every five years to see how our bodies are dealing with cholesterol, if there is any build up. WE are encouraged to get mammograms every 2 years, but not to get a calcium score...if our heart stops, we are DONESKI!!!! Makes no sense to me!!!
My score was zero, I repeat...zero!!! So the cholesterol issue was a non issue. How many people on on statins that do not need to be? 2 of my close pals did this, were on statins, and went off of them as there score was zero or very low!
So, in summary:
-Go to your doctor and ask for a cardiologist referral for a full heart check
-Tell your cardiologist you want a calcium score, do not accept no for an answer! It is your heart, and your body!!!!
-Make informed decisions about preventative heart maintenance based on your acore!This process will set you back approx. $750 NZD, quite reasonable when you consider the alternative!!!!