Last week, I had my 1 year checkup with my cardiologist, following an echocardiogram and stress test. The stress test was interesting, and I got to really work my heart while they took EKG, blood pressure, and imaged my heart before and after to see where muscles were strong and weak. I have the reports here and made sure I knew what they meant.
The good news is good:
- My heart is in great shape
- I can work out at pretty high intensities, and am OK'd to go for it
- My cholesterol has really turned around in the last year
- The Doc has no major concerns
The bad news is not that bad:
- I have to stay on all of my meds, including the beta blocker Atenolol. This has some interesting side effects, including lowering my max heart rate, and encouraging weight gain.
- The lowered heart rate limits my max exertion in the gym, but I'm adapting to it.
- My weight is up, about 15 pounds since I started the beta blockers. I'm not the picture of post-cardiac health that I wanted to be.
So I know what I need to do this year:
- Keep it up at the gym - high aerobic and anaerobic workouts to burn fat and built muscle
- Cut back on the calories and start to reign in the waistline.
Before the cardiologist appointment, I studied up on all of the medications. It felt like cramming for an exam, but I really understood his discussion and I knew why he kept me on the medications.
Here's my Christmas wish: Everyone should get the present of being present with their loved ones. I saw two people close to my age both die suddenly of heart failure this fall. It literally can happen to anyone with little warning. So do these things:
- Get checked up. Cholesterol, stress and other conditions can be managed to lower your risk.
- Love the ones you're with. Sad to say, but you or they could be taken tomorrow.
- Be prepared. Have a will. Know the warning signs. Don't be Superman (/woman).
Sorry to be a downer, but I have to use my Round 2 for good. Make a resolution to get checked up, and hit the gym for some heart-healthy stress-busting sweat-generating fun!
Happy Holidays!
