Sometimes you have to be threatened with death to realize the implications of your actions in life. What causes a 32 year old man to have a massive coronary. Well, there's a number of
risk factors.
- smoking
- high blood pressure
- high blood cholesterol
- diabetes
- being overweight or obese
- physical inactivity
Smoking, check, for 16 years or so. High blood pressure, not that we know of but maybe. High blood cholesterol, little did we know his was astoundingly high. His total
cholesterol was 230. His
HDL, healthy cholesterol, was 20. His
triglycerides were so high, 540, that the lab couldn't accurately calculate his
LDL, lethal cholesterol, the estimate is around 104. Diabetes, no. Overweight or obese, not really 5'10" 200 lbs. Average height and weight for a 30 something man. Physical inactivity, kinda? He's very physical at work lifting tires and batteries, but at home plays a lot of video games and spends plenty of time at the computer.
That boils down to 3 out of 6. Dr. M told us it was a combination really. They think he may have some bad genes. That along with a whole lot of bad diet and smoking makes for a comfy stay in the ICU with a pump helping your heart out for 2 days. Smoking is bad kids, don't do it.
Have you noticed that when dealing with health issues and caring for a family member, you pick up a whole new vocabulary? You learn the meanings of words you never wanted to have to use. When my mom had cancer, my word for the day was always something like "PEG tube" or "chemo port". It kinda sucks. Like being a member of a club you never wanted to join. I'm just sayin'. Love you Jessica!
ReplyDeleteYou're right Vicki, I never thought I'd need to know all about the different types of cholesterol. I hear you about cancer vocab, too. I know all about PEG tubes and chemo ports from when JD's dad had lung cancer. That is an extensive vocabulary that you have to learn especially if you're the primary caregiver.
ReplyDelete