Elevated blood cholesterol data obtained in June, discussed with my Geriatric Specialist Dr. Jarrod Faucher in July led to imaging of coronary artery calcium (1) to assess my risk status, (2) to consider remedial options in August.
STILL REGAINING
UPPER BODY STRENGTH
I am now in my sixth month of recovery since the March 23rd accident that was responsible for the extensive soft tissue trauma to my upper torso along with arms, wrists - injuries to each from forceful contact with the steering wheel resulting in compromised skin, bleeding.
Despite still experiencing discomfort in my shoulders and back along with lingering referred pain daily in my upper right arm, I have been able to raise my body weight recently in various asanas including the ELEVATED FULL LOTUS shown above - taken by me in condo yoga studio using smartphone camera with a ten second exposure delay.
HEALTH STATUS UPDATE
HYPERLIPIDEMIA
(HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL)
Earlier this June I had blood taken for various lab assays including a lipid panel before my sixth annual scheduled meeting to discuss ongoing medical concerns with Dr. Faucher.
The lipid panel measures Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides and, at times, other lipid markers used by physicians to help evaluate health risk factors.
Since enrolling in Medicare at 65, my Total Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol values have been elevated - exceeding the recommended guidelines* - despite eating mostly plant food sources, maintaining my high school weight.
* Total Cholesterol below 200 mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol under 100 mg/dL
Data from these past six years provide evidence that my body naturally produces levels of Cholesterol that exceed medical guidelines - this year my Total Cholesterol was the highest during this period as I ate more dairy foods during 2020, 2021.
My June lipid panel data along with the low to high value ranges during 2016 to 2020 are presented below.
JUNE 3, 2021
LIPID PANEL DATA
(mg/dL)
- Whole Cholesterol .... 276 (199 to 232)
- LDL Cholesterol ........ 193 (120 to 150)
- Triglycerides ............ 109 (67 to 119)
- HDL Cholesterol ........ 64 (55 to 69)
I was aware of potential silent risk factors like hypertension and diabetes that often led to serious negative outcomes.
These lipid panel data were 'red flags' that could no longer be addressed sufficiently via physical activity, nutrition.
More important,
they could not be ignored.
ACKNOWLEDGING
THE
'RED FLAGS',
WHAT TO DO ?
Consuming more dairy foods during the six to seven months to complement my daily selections of veggies, nuts, seeds, fruits, legumes, other plant sources was intentional.
I had not anticipated the significant increase in Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol values revealed from the blood assays.
It was obvious my daily walking had little or no effect on lowering my blood Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol levels but likely did contribute and improve (lower) my blood pressure.
Taking a prescribed statin is something Dr. Faucher knew I long wanted to avoid due to concerns about the many potential negative side effects based on my readings over many years.
However, I know from experience that taking two prescribed vitamins (B12 and D2) after discovery of extremely low levels prevented negative consequences from their absence.
I was seeking additional and more direct, empirical evidence to warrant using medication to reduce the high Cholesterol levels naturally programmed and mostly synthesized within my liver hepatocytes.
It was obvious I was one among many producing Cholesterol, variations that could not be controlled by my actions: largely independent of my nutrition choices, physical activities, adolescent weight.
Our conversation led to a known coronary calcium artery scan that would involve a brief, relatively minimal radiation exposure.
Dr. Faucher authorized approval for this diagnostic test not covered by Medicare - an out-of-pocket cost of $257.00 - that I paid in advance of the procedure.
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
OF
CORONARY ARTERIES
This brief, non-invasive diagnostic scan of four heart arteries documents the absence, presence of calcium in plaque within the blood vessels.
Plaque is composed of substances including cholesterol, calcium, white blood cells with a region of the artery identified as the tunica intima - reflecting the role of immune cells, the inflammation process in its production.
Accumulated plaque hardens and, over time, can restrict blood flow required to maintain heart muscle functions with a number of deadly possible consequences
The medical community refers to this occurrence as atherosclerosis, a disease of the arteries.
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
from
Greek
[athero = gruel or paste, sclerosis = hardening]
CORONARY
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Data of four blood vessels, their calcium score and the statistical risk* of each are listed below:
- Left Main Artery, 196.2, Moderately High
- Left Anterior Descending Artery, 318.9, Moderately High
- Left Coronary Artery, 35.2, Mild Risk
- Right Coronary Artery, 184.6, Moderate Risk
* Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden
My total calcium score was 734.9 - the radiologist wrote: "Extensive atherosclerotic plaque burden. Risk is high."
This high risk data from my scan is a five year risk predictor.
The calcium score does not take into account what physicians refer to as 'soft plaque' which may be present and represent another source of risk.
NOTE
These data are a reminder of a process that undoubtedly began decades ago when my daily nutrition choices were poor - in stark contrast to my focused and improved food selections coinciding with my reconstructive thoracic surgery when I was 50.
MITIGATING FACTORS
Acknowledging this risk, I also know my lifestyle choices focusing on yoga mobility and making more informed nutrition choices this past decade have led to significant, positive health outcomes.
At 70
. Among the positive: I have maintained my adolescent weight, am lean, strong and mobile, eat mostly plants, am physically active daily, do not smoke, drink, or use drugs recreationally, am not diabetic, without hypertension and get rest, reduce exposure to harmful stress, engage in daily social activities of interest, enjoy quiet time, being alone, enjoy reading, sharing experiences on my yoga blog, able to "quiet racing thoughts", enjoy body-mind connection (Thank you Ray Hoyt!).
Significantly, I have a heathy relationship with my Geriatric Specialist, Dr. Faucher - able to talk openly on topics of concern - and continue to value his role these past six years in improving the quality of my life.
ACTION TAKEN
- to obtain baseline lipid panel levels to compare with the June 3rd values
- to evaluate possible negative side effects to muscle, liver, kidney, other body organs
- to check blood glucose levels, evidence of bleeding,
- TOTAL CHOLESTEROL .. to 131 from 276
- TRIGLYCERIDES .......... to 58 from 102
- LDL CHOLESTERO L....... to 59 from 132
- VLDL CHOLESTEROL .....13
- HDL CHOLESTEROL ...... 59
* WHOLE CHOLESTEROL/HDL: 2.22
* A significantly lower risk ratio
NO OBVIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
I was smiling reading the data of the five lab reports all providing empirical assay evidence my muscle, liver and kidney functions were all within 'normal' ranges.
Especially noteworthy was having a glucose reading of 82 - my lowest value in the past six years.
There was no evidence of any internal bleeding documented.
LOOKING FORWARD
WITH
OPTIMISM
IMMEDIATE
NUTRITION
IMPLICATIONS
I will continue to consume the 95+% of plant foods daily as I have been doing for years.
