Something has attacked my blog

Niacin.....miracle supplement? Time will tell!

Obtained VAP cholesterol profile after a perfect regular cholesterol test. It revealed even though the total, LDL & HDL numbers were normal on the regular test the LDL particle size was still in small range, Lp(a) was still elevated above normal range and HDL composition needed some work.

Bumped up to 2G Niacin, stay with it for another month and then recheck. I really like my cardiologist. He listens, is proactive and does not ignore my concerns. After 4 blockages I just want to get on protocol and take care of this.

Live your life!

Niacin I take

Sorry for being gone so long!

Everything is moving forward and still plugging at the protocol to stop the progression of heart disease. I have not had any events since May 2008. Currently on 40 mg Simvistatin, 1G Niacin (switched to SloNiacin from WalMart since Niaspan was becoming so expensive) and last check liver enzymes all normal; cholesterol was 132; LDL 75; HDL 40.

Even though all in range checking Lp(a) and determining level of Niaspan is adequate to maintain very low levels of Lp(a) reduce LDL further and continue to raise HDL.

Niaspan has worked for me!

I have been on Niaspan 2G for sometime and it has dropped my Lp(a) dramatically....talk with your physician if you need that extra boost without having to up the statin drug. I believe taking a B vitamin which reduces cholesterol is better than more statins.

NIASAPAN

I have been off Niaspan for a month due to stomach issues. Has anyone else experienced this?

PLAVIX

http://www.ptca.org/news/2010/0312_PLAVIX.html

ARE WE WINNING THE BATTLE?

Is there anyway to actually stop Heart Disease? Is there something in the food supply which is causing it? Is it greater because the population has increased? It just seems Hospitals recognize the trend thus the reason for Heart Institutes as a revenue source.

Something is causing this; but what? Is it just plain old inflammation from bad food, stress and lack of exercise? Or is it a gene that certain people have who are predisposed to inflammation?

I have met individuals who are over 350lbs; don't exercise; eat like hogs; have stress in their life and their cholesterol is 145 total; then I meet individuals who are 180lbs; walk daily; eat healthy and their on cholesterol medications.

Does any of this make sense?

My mother told me a few days ago that scientists have discovered a link between Cancer and Vitamin D. Studies have shown that Cancer cells die in the presence of Vitamin D! Does that mean that Cancer is increasing due to the epidemic of Vitamin D deficiencies in individuals?

If that is the case then Heart Disease is a result of only two things going on. 1). 100% genetic predisposition for inflammation with combination of cholesterol profile of small particle LDL, Low HDL and high Lp(a), or 2). There is a vitamin/mineral deficiency in individuals with Heart Disease.

For example, why is my cholesterol profile much better and almost perfect while on Niaspan? A drug which is basically the "B" Vitamin Niacin? Is my body deficient in Niacin or does my genetic profile require a higher dose of Niacin? Obviously my body requires or needs it because it levels out my cholesterol while not effecting my liver at all!

I believe studies have proven why heart disease occurs. I believe studies have proven why cancer occurs. If the cure from those studies were published and widely used the economy would implode.

Just think about how much money is generated from Heart and Cancer Diseases. Entire pharmaceutical companies survive from these two diseases. Multiple Hospitals, Clinics, Diagnostic & Blood Labs, Cardiologists, Physicians, Equipment Manufacturers, Fitness Gyms, Food Producers and Distributors, etc. all generate income and stay in business because of the threat of the dreaded HEART & CANCER DISEASES!

IF THE CURE WAS ANNOUNCED IT WOULD BE ECONOMIC PANDEMONIUM! What do you think?

INFLAMMATION! IS IT THE CULPRIT? COULD HIGH CHOLESTEROL ONLY BE A REPAIR MECHANISM THAT INCREASES OR EXPEDITES THE BLOCKAGE? HIV Patient Study reveal

Increased Presence, Severity of Coronary Artery Plaques in HIV-Infected Men
ScienceDaily (Jan. 8, 2010) — A Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) study has found that relatively young men with longstanding HIV infection and minimal cardiac risk factors had significantly more coronary atherosclerotic plaques -- some involving serious arterial blockage -- than did uninfected men with similar cardiovascular risk.

Please read the entire article:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107151659.htm

Could it be that heart disease with coronary blockages are caused from inflammation? Obviously the body is constantly inflamed while battling HIV. Could those without HIV have inflammation too from eating High Glycemic foods or High Blood Pressure or Stress? Could it be that those inflammation markers combined with genetically inclined high cholesterol profiles expedite the blockages while those without any symptoms of heart disease such as in the case of the HIV patients actually have the disease due to arterial inflammation?

IS ANYONE LISTENING? PARTICULARLY INSURANCE COMPANIES!

It is interesting to note that people seem to take offense at advice particularly regarding medical or supplement usage even though the advice is based on your experiences. They do it as if they understand more than you do even though they themselves have only recently been impacted by the same experience. I believe we are all guilty of this!

There have been numerous times I have offered outstanding advice, based on my own experience which would "cut" through the "fog" and get to what I believe are the pillars of detecting heart disease. Basically, what has worked for me! I believe based on personal experience that St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta & the St. Joseph Medical Group have created the best diagnostic and analysis tests in the area. The two tests include the Cardiac 64 slice CT Scan and the Submolecular Cholesterol Blood Analysis including Lp(a). The reason I believe the two tests are so important is based on my own experience. I originally had the old CT scan (16 slice) which detected a large calcified plaque in left marginal branch. I had already passed a regular stress test. The CT scan prompted a thallium stress test which showed blood flow. Because of the CT results along with a cardiologist who actually listened to me; Dr. Frohwein at St. Joseph I had a catherization which found the 99% occlusion in the artery. The submolecular testing was not done til years later which detected issues with blood that required different medications but one blood level Lp(a) particularly increased my chances of disease progression by 30X. Subsequent blocked arteries spurred the detailed testing.

Supplements which seem to have actually worked for me based on evidential support from several years of blood tests include Niacin (as Niaspan), fish oil and CoQ10. Niaspan has reduced my Lp(a), LDL, increase HDL and changed particle sizes of LDL, Fish Oil has reduced inflammation in the arteries and the CoQ10 without a doubt has eliminated the muscular impacts of statin prescription usage. I read somewhere that Canada required a CoQ10 supplementation label to be added to all prescription statin bottles?

So, what does it take for the approval by the health care community and insurance providers of Cardiac CT scans and submolecular testing as protocol for cardiac diagnostic along with covering the payment for the procedures? Would'nt the aggressive treatment of the disease in the long run save them money? The payment of a $2K test which may decrease the probability of paying for a $40K stent along with a myriad of medications seems to me to make great business sense. The insurance companies can qualify the patient based on family history, initial blood profile, etc. thus reducing the risks that the test is being performed on someone with no or low probability of heart disease. But it would also catch the ones with the developing disease at an early age and greatly impact the progression of it. If every person with family history of the disease had the Cardiac CT scan along with submolecular testing done at age 30 I believe it would impact the progression of the disease and the economy.

If I had known the information at 30 I definitely would have changed my lifestyle and diet. Heart Disease impacting an individual during their highest earning years of life puts strain on the persons family, society and the economy as a whole. No one can say they have worked at a greater pace or degree after a blocked artery than before one especially after three. By detecting the disease earlier I believe it would not only impact the lives and families of the individuals but society and the economy as a whole!

The tests are out there; they are available but all I hear is "My insurance company will not cover the testing!" INSURANCE COMPANIES PLEASE LISTEN AND APPROVE THIS TESTING! PRESCRIPTION STATIN MANUFACTURERS, INSURANCE COMPANIES AND CARDIAC COMMUNITY PLEASE ISSUE PROTOCOLS FOR CT SCREENING AND SUBMOLECULAR TESTING AT 30 YEARS OLD!

WebMD article regarding Chemical induced Heart Disease

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20100112/bpa-link-to-heart-disease-confirmed

BPA May Be Linked to Heart Disease Risk
Study Shows Higher Levels of Chemical Mean Higher Risk of Heart Disease
By Daniel J. DeNoonWebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Jan. 12, 2010 - Nearly everyone in the U.S. carries the plastics chemical BPA in their bodies. But those with the highest BPA levels have the highest risk of heart disease, new data confirm.

Ready, Set Go!

2010 beginning with a great time! Had complete physical today. Moving forward.......ARE YOU? Let's do it together this year........KEEP THAT HEART HEALTHY & STRONG!

Insurers Will Pay for Heart CT Screening

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/6796055.html

See my July 2009 post:

Finally; the insurance companies or rather states are making a stand when it comes to fighting Heart Disease.

The CT scan is the most crucial way to detect early disease and up til now the insurance companies would not pay for them. I don't understand why? It makes good business sense to pay $1500 for a CT scan vs. $50K plus for open heart or stenting procedure.

Early detection is the key and finally the process is beginning. Way to go Texas! Hopefully soon the procedure will be implemented for those below 40 with family history or risks associated with the disease.

I realize detecting it early and stopping the disease will impact money made by hospitals on open heart and stenting procedures but colonoscopies have helped reduce colon issues; why not screen sooner for the number one killer in the country; HEART DISEASE!

There is enough information known now that the Disease could be eliminated by screening adolescents with simple VAP cholesterol testing at 18; then if risks are there followup with stress test and CT scan at 25 and 30?

HAVING GONE THRU 4 BLOCKED ARTERIES SINCE 40 YEARS OLD I WANT TO STAND AND SCREAM "PLEASE STOP THE MADNESS". IF THOSE IMPLEMENTING THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR EARLY DETECTION WOULD EXPERIENCE WHAT I HAVE GONE THRU THEY WOULD CHANGE THE PROCESS TO INCLUDE EARLY DETECTION & MAKE IT AVAILABLE AND AFFORDABLE FOR ALL!

MADE IT ANOTHER YEAR! THANK YOU GOD!

Well 2009 was challenging but I made it; if you are reading this raise your hands and thank God who gives us all breath that you made it also!

Still taking 3G Niaspan, 40mg Simvistatin, 325mg Aspirin, 20mg Lisinopril. Supplements include 2G fish oil, 200mg CoQ10, multi vitamin. Walking schedule has been interrupted for several months.

I trust all of you are doing well and feeling great.......TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART!

Wellspring; Program for Reversing Heart Disease

http://www.wsheart.com/team/index.php

The Dean Ornish program is scientifically proven to reverse heart disease. Hundreds of people have reversed arterial blockages by following the program!

I want to begin this program in the Atlanta metro market because I believe there are thousands of cardiac patients and those who don't even realize they have heart disease who would benefit from this great proven program!

What the heck is up?

Having gastro issues ever since back from hospital? What is up with this. Had gallbladder scan today. Has it been too much meds? I have noticed undigested tablets lately; only thing large enough to not digest is the Niaspan. Has my body had enough? Is there something else?

Has low cholesterol taking its toll; is my body revolting? Will let you know. Daily dizziness, spasms below sternum; almost too much to take. It is hard to function. Hopefully, they will determine cause.

Don't change what is working!

Had to go to hospital three weeks ago. The culprit I believe based on daily log and reduction in the hospital was "Niaspan". I began taking during day & experienced extreme stomach irritation which felt just like heart problems. Everything OK now; taking all medicines like before; changing nothing; blood levels are low.

Total cholesterol 140; LDL 62; HDL 54; Lp(a) 20.............eat vegetarian, moderate exercise. Stay on course!

Don't change what is working!

Had to go to hospital three weeks ago. The culprit I believe based on daily log and reduction in the hospital was "Niaspan". I began taking during day & experienced extreme stomach irritation which felt just like heart problems. Everything OK now; taking all medicines like before; changing nothing; blood levels are low.



Total cholesterol 140; LDL 62; HDL

Enjoy Yourself in Gods Creation

Take time & visit your local national park. Get out and enjoy the nature; it was created to invigorate our spirits; renew our mind & body! We get so caught up in this worldly pursuit of things that we forget to take time and "smell the roses". Walk, Bike, Fish or just find you a great mountain view, grab a rocking chair, a bag of boiled peanuts, a cold beverage & thank God you are alive! I THANK HIM I AM ALIVE!

Lower the Lp(a) & Cardio protective foods!

https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:24157.2197492292/rid:fe035017534a475180398409410ab7f8

Can't Control the Economy!

Give your heart & arteries a rest when it comes to things you cannot control! For example, how can anyone control what is occurring in the economy. You cannot control the effects of this economic downturn. Relax, Relax, calm, calm!

Stretching, walking & mostly vegetables, fruits are all remedies for stress reduction!

Heart Disease is not a respector of persons!

As many of you know heart disease can impact anyone whether famous or not, old, young, overweight, normal weight even people with supposedly normal cholesterol. I had my first blockage at 40 weighing 180lbs. I heard news today that Billy Mays; America's Pitchman passed away due to "heart disease".

It made me feel horrible since I have always enjoyed the new show and I knew he had a family. After going thru what I have over the years; almost dying twice I am very thankful that for some reason I was still left here on earth. As you know at 45 I have had three blocked arteries due to genetic disorder with elevated Lp(a) & cholesterol which was found the last time in early 08. I am on medication which has dropped both numbers significantly.

I hope & trust that the group affiliated with Mr. Mays will somehow use their expertise in pitching to help spread the word to the masses that early testing & detection of the disease is crucial & no matter what people should be checked out. I have said this before & will say again that just like the medical community suggests individuals at 50 have a colonoscopy, I believe the medical community should implement testing of heart disease particularly with family history at 30 years old. If I would have had a stress test; submolecular cholesterol test & possibly a cardiac CT at 30 I could have at least modified my lifestyle; reduce stress in my life; began on medications & stopped the progression of the disease.

It would save people. Please medical community listen!

Heart Drugs vs. Bypass or Stenting

For Diabetics, Heart Drugs Are Just as Effective as Bypass Surgery or Stents
Cardiac Bypass Surgery, Angioplasty and Stents Can't Beat Drugs for Patients With Stable Heart Disease.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Health/DiabetesNews/story?id=7783608&page=1

HDL! New study confirms why it should be high!

Hnida: Abnormal Good Cholesterol Levels A Problem
ReportingDr. Dave Hnida DENVER (CBS4) ―

A study presented to the American Heart Association found 75 percent of heart attack victims have normal cholesterol levels, but one thing they do have in common is an abnormal level of HDL, or good, cholesterol. HDL is the one type of cholesterol where the higher the number, the better. Sometimes that number is ignored if overall and LDL, or bad, cholesterol levels are within normal range.

http://cbs4denver.com/seenon/hdl.ldl.cholesterol.2.1003282.html

Running the Race!

All levels of cholesterol are in range required by physician. Total cholesterol 167; HDL 62; LDL 89 with larger particle size; Lp(a) has dropped significantly from 85 to 20 and actually HDL has risen from 34 to 62. The LDL particle size has actually increased so the ratios have reduced my risk at least of a repeat event based on scientific and feedback from physician.

Now this was achieved taking: 3G Niaspan and 40mg. Simvistatin once a day

I am very pleased and time will tell if indeed lowering these markers and raising HDL will alleviate blockages.

Thanks for another year of Life!

I thank God for another year of life and also eternal life.

More than ever I have realized that life is so precious. I guess when a life threatening event occurs a person becomes more conscious of the afterlife. I am thankful that I have trust in my saviour Jesus and when the time does come for me to pass from this life to the next I know that I can trust in the forgiveness that I have received from God thru him. John 3:16

PIEDMONT HEART INSTITUTE NEWS!

HEARTaware is an assessment program offered by Piedmont Heart Institute http://www.piedmontheart.org/. The program is the most comprehensive approach we have seen in the Atlanta metro area for determining whether or not an individual has risks for heart disease. Based on the outcome of the assessment Piedmont offers the following tests to obtain measurements of heart disease. They include :

• CT CORONARY CALCIUM SCAN: The patient will receive a Computed Tomography coronary calcium scan with Piedmont's Aquilion ONE Dynamic Volume CT Scanner along with review and interpretation by a cardiologist; Price: $125.00



• CARDIOVASCULAR CONSULTATION AND ADVANCED LIPID TESTS WITH GENETIC SCREENING: Genetic testing will be performed for DNA markers for cholesterol, inflammation, high blood pressure and blood clotting; Price: $425.00



• BOTH TESTS COMBINED: Combination of the two services above; Price: $550.00

Having experienced 3 stents along with multiple visits to the emergency room at the very beginning of my experience I cannot stress the importance of what Piedmont has done in developing, packaging and then marketing the above services. This is the only aggressive, in the market advertising that we have seen for spreading the message that early detection of heart disease is available, these are the tests for it and by the way here is the cost!

For information visit www.piedmontheart.org. I cannot stress enough the importance of being tested particularly if you have family history of heart disease. I wish with all my heart I had been tested at 30. Early detection of heart disease is very important.

Comprehensive Program for your Heart!

http://www.pmri.org/lifestyle_program.html

Dr. Dean Ornish has developed a program which has been proven with multiple individual successes in alleviating the affects of heart disease. The program involves diet, exercise, stress reduction and love/intimacy! Check it out at the link above.

Toshiba Introduces Upgrades to the Aplio Artida to Enhance Imaging Capabilities for the Cardiac Market

With 3D wall motion tracking, for the first time physicians will be able to assess live 3D volume images in one cardiac cycle. The ability to accomplish this in one cardiac cycle will eliminate stitching artifacts, and more importantly, allow physicians to obtain high quality images in patients with arrhythmias and shortness of breath.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/toshiba-introduces-upgrades-aplio-artida-enhance-imaging-capabilities-cardiac/

Heart Disease: An Epidemic For Firefighters

Landmark FEMA Study Results Released
ATLANTA, March 17 /PRNewswire/ --

H. Robert Superko, MD, principal investigator in the landmark FEMA-sponsored study of firefighters aged 40 and over conducted at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, released preliminary findings in the world's first study of first responders at risk of suffering sudden death or other significant cardiac events. Firefighters are known to have a three hundred percent increased risk for cardiac disease as compared to other segments of the population.

http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20090317/CL8510617032009-1.html

Cholesterol Management Health Center

New Cholesterol Drug Misses the Mark

Study Shows Pactimibe Did Not Slow Development of Clogged Arteries

By Kelli Miller Stacy
WebMD Health News

http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20090317/new-cholesterol-drug-misses-the-mark

Medicinal miracle saves man's heart!

Stem cells used to repair Cathcart’s heart were not embryonic stem cells — the subject of impassioned political debate — but rather stem cells supplied by his own bone marrow.

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20090315/ARTICLES/903141929
Can it be that we are on the way to curing Heart Disease?

Heart Patients can Enjoy Waffle House too!

Stopped by after having blood drawn for lunch and had this wonderful creation at Waffle House! Grilled chicken salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, pepper and 1 tbs. of ranch dressing along with unsweet tea. Mmmmm.........Good!

It is time to pay the Piper!

Next week I am having cholesterol and Lp(a) levels checked again for six (6) month check up. So now is the time to get serious. If it has not decreased then the only thing else I need to do is basically go close to vegetarian. I have been eating poorly lately! I will provide update once results have been received!

Reach for the Cheerios! I prefer Oat Bran myself.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/article981183.ece

Lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) even slightly can reduce risk of heart disease
By Irene Maher, Times Staff Writer In Print: Thursday, March 5, 2009


Read the article above. I personally lowered my cholesterol 65 pts. in three weeks without any medications by eating 90% vegetarian diet. If you are not ingesting cholesterol your blood lipid levels will decrease. Keep in mind though that my HDL levels also decreased so looking back on my numbers the ratios between the HDL/LDL along with LDL/Total Cholesterol was not that great. At least for me; someone with the genetic risk for increased cholesterol levels medication is the only remedy that has actually lowered my levels enough. I spent hundreds on herbs and other natural supplements but none lowered it. I even tried 3G of "non-flush" niacin for several months with no dramatic decrease.

The Incredible Edible Egg! Think of all the yolks I have passed up; tragedy!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090218224655.htm

Egg-Irony: High Cholesterol Food May Reduce Blood Pressure
ScienceDaily (Mar. 1, 2009) — Researchers in Canada are reporting evidence that eggs — often frowned upon for their high cholesterol content — may reduce another heart disease risk factor — high blood pressure.

WOW! The incredible edible egg is a wonder food after all. Read the full article by clicking on the above link!

Fayette Piedmont Cardiac Rehab

I attended two sessions of the cardiac rehab program at Fayette Piedmont Hospital. It was very good and helped me to get back in the swing of things. I would recommend the program after a stent, angioplasty, etc..

Family Trips!

It seems to cause stress even though it should be fun. When I was growing up we took a couple of trips and we left when our parents told us we were leaving. Relax and make family trips fun by not having a predetermined schedule or outline in your mind of how you believe the trip should go! That is exactly what it is a family trip for all family members; so relax and be open to what others are feeling and how they can enjoy the trip too!

Drugs prove as effective as stents for heart attack patients

http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hsstent21-nws,0,259961.story

When you go to the hospital with a 99% occlusion in the heart artery it is a little difficult to just take medication for it but the story shows that some occlusions would be better off treated with medication instead of stenting.

Platelet Inhibitor, Statin and Ace Inhibitor

The protocol at least for me after having the last occlusion which was opened with a stent includes: Plavix 75mg, Simvistatin 40mg, Niaspan 3,000 mg, 20 mg Lisinopril, low glycemic low fat diet, walk 30 minutes 4-5 times per week.

I believe there is a typical protocol for stenting in order to alleviate re-occlusion to occur. I personally know one person who had a blocked artery in 11/2003. Since that time he has not stayed on any medication regimen recommended nor eaten a diet described as heart healthy. He has not exercised at all. He just went through an angiogram three months ago to determine any new occlusions or build-up and there was none!

So all of the protocols are just that protocols. What has worked the majority of the time for the majority of patients. I myself will do my best to stay on recommended protocol and at least do everything I know to do on my part!

Heart Healthy restaurant review!

You can actually eat heart healthy at Waffle House! Believe it or not!

Two poached eggs; don't eat yolk
Wheat toast
A few bites of the grits or hashbrown (order them steamed; no grease)
Unsweet tea

No matter where you eat when you are out in the field you can always find something that will fit in with your heart healthy eating plan. You and I just have to make the choice to do it! The only places that really don't have heart healthy choices are the fast food chains. I never eat at them and I don't consider Waffle House a fast food chain. It is and will always be the Great American Diner!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Show a little love to your sweetheart and also your own heart! Happy Valentine's Day!

Under pressure!

Addressing the underlying causes of hypertension can give patients some help in the battle for heart health

By Jennifer Sygo, National Post

http://www.canada.com/health/Under+pressure/1286633/story.html

Saint Joseph's Adds Renowned Cardiothoracic Surgeon

World Leader For Robotic, Totally-Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypasses (Tecab)
ATLANTA Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Sudhir P. Srivastava, MD, the pioneer and world leader in performing beating heart, totally-endoscopic, coronary artery bypass surgeries, has joined the staff at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta. Dr. Srivastava comes to Atlanta from the University of Chicago Medical Center where he served as assistant professor of surgery and director of robotic and minimally invasive cardiac surgery........................

http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20090202/CL6559702022009-1.html

Steady Cholesterol-Pill Use Found to Cut Death Risk Almost Half

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ahA00e4msjms&refer=home

Time will tell if it is working with me!

Patient Feedback!

Calling all cardiac patients and friends and family. February is heart month. Let's all make an effort to exercise, eat a balanced diet and strengthen bonds with family and loved ones. Relationships are crucial for long term health. If you had a cardiac event recently encourage your family to spend time with you and do something with your children, grandchildren or spouse that will refresh and lift your body and soul!



To Good Health!



http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4441

Stress!

Economic, work, physical and family issues all play a part in each individuals life. How we react to those whether good or bad dramatically increases or decreases our stress levels. Dr. Ornish has proven that stress particularly in individuals with the genetic tendency towards elevated cholesterol affects their arteries. The pressure over time on the arterial wall slowly chips away til a "crack" or "tear" occurs. The body is designed to repair that area with cholesterol. You know without cholesterol we would not live long. When there is a genetic deficiency in the cholesterol profile though that repair mechanism can go into overdrive.

Learn as much as you can about the disease and study the Spectrum program. It is the only program I have found which provides the answer to stopping the disease!

Inflammation! It may be the real reason.

I know several individuals who have had high cholesterol levels throughout their life without any blocked arteries well into their seventies. Then there are individuals such as myself who have had high cholesterol and had issues at a young age!

Elevated Lp(a), LDL along with low HDL all play a part but those elevated levels are sticking to the artery wall for a reason. I believe it is caused from the wall itself becoming "inflamed". This in my case could have resulted from high glycemic diet, elevated blood pressure and stress! This could answer why some individuals with elevated levels do not have issues while someone with low levels of cholesterol does; Inflammation!

A vegetarian diet, exercise, yoga have all proven to reduce inflammation in your body. Has anyone ever thought why blockages occur mostly in the heart and not over the entire body? It is not always the cholesterol, if so then blockages would be everywhere. But they mostly manifest in the heart where there is more pressure put on the "inflamed" arteries and then the cholesterol enters in as a repair mechanism. Unfortunately that repair when levels are high causes build up which eventually leads to a blockage. Check out the Spectrum program on the Dr. Ornish site. It seems to provide the answer for alleviating the inflammation problem!

Niacin in the prescription form "Niaspan"! It worked for me.

In October 2007 my LDL and Lp(a) cholesterol levels were high along with low levels of HDL. I was told to take 40mg of Simvistatin. After the last blocked artery in March 08 my physician added 500mg daily of prescription Niaspan. I increased the dosage by 500mg every two weeks til I reached a therapeutic dosage which I am now on of 3,000mg daily. Obviously, they keep monitoring my Liver Enzyme levels for any toxicity issues. My liver enzymes to date have actually gone down. I was told by my gastroenterologist that years of high cholesterol along with high glycemic diet had actually caused me to have a non-drinking fatty liver. The cholesterol medicine has allowed my level to process the fat or I assume the cholesterol thus reducing enzyme levels.

The Niaspan (prescription Niacin) alone has helped to change my lipid profiles particularly the Lp(a) reduction and increase of HDL. The Niaspan has decreased the LDL's from a high of 175 to 76. Also, Niaspan is the only prescription that I was told reduces the Lp(a). It has dropped from 85 to 19. The Niaspan has also increased my HDL from 34 to 52. Now keep in mind that I am also on 40mg of Simvistatin but the Lp(a) and the HDL levels were not changed while on the Simvistatin alone. I have also seen a change in the LDL particle size from small to large. This is particularly important because if two people had the same LDL levels of 175 one may not be at risk as much as the other because one may have large particle LDL while the other has small particle LDL. Mine obviously was the small particle LDL. But it seems the Niaspan is changing the profile of the LDL also!

Taking the Niaspan by itself would be a closer natural alternative to regulate cholesterol than the statins although to reach a decision of taking this drug alone would obviously be determined with proper submolecular cholesterol testing in conjunction with consultation with your physician. The Niaspan though in my case has delivered beneficial results which include decreasing LDL and Lp(a) levels along with raising HDL numbers. I don't believe there is any other prescription which does all three simultaneously! http://www.niaspan.com/

Experts Urge Limits on Use of Cardiac CT Scans...

Radiation-linked cancer risks are small, but need to be considered, AHA panel says
Posted February 2, 2009

MONDAY, Feb. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Certain kinds of heart imaging tests should be used cautiously to minimize patient exposure to ionizing radiation, which has been linked to cancer.
That's the conclusion of a new American Heart Association science advisory released in the Feb. 2 issue of Circulation.
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/02/02/experts-urge-limits-on-use-of-cardiac-ct-scans.html



I guess you die from one or the other. If the cancer don't get you; what about the heart disease? The Dr. Ornish program I believe is really what I along with all those with risks should be on. JUST DO IT!

Steelers Win!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV-vVMbWQMA&eurl=http://ballhype.com/video/superbowl_2009_santonio_holmes_game_winning_catch/&feature=player_embedded

Well, at least I did get some cardio while watching the game. That was an awesome game! Now for me to get back on track. It has been a challenge.

B-egg white omelet w/jalapenos, 5 pc. of ham, onions, hashbrown, toast, unsweet tea
L-slice of pizza, unsweet tea
D-Chili w/turkey, 1/2 pc. cornbread, tea
Snack-small salad