Heart Medicines

I have not discussed my heart meds lately.  At 13 months after open heart surgery I am still on the following:

Metoprolol - 25 mg - daily
Amlodipine - 5 mg daily
Plavix - 75 mg - daily

Before surgery I was on:
Atorvastatin (Lipitor generic) - 10 mg - now 40 mg - daily
Aspirin - 81 mg

And just started:
Omega 3 - Fish Oil - 1000 mg - daily

The meds seem to be working.  My PVC's are still there, but at a higher heart rate (110-120).  My cholesterol is under control, but still trying to raise the HDL & lower the trylycerides.  I just had my physical & should be able to report the latest blood tests.

Retirement & Florida

Will do what a lot of retired folks do, head south!  Sue & I will be traveling with her parents to Florida in their motor home!  This will be our first trip south with the "Seniors Gone Wild!" in Florida!  The plan is to stay for about a week & fly home!

I still look a little better then the picture above!

Omega 3 Fats

One of my New Year Resolutions was to experiment with Fish Oil - Omega 3 Fatty Acids!  In the process, more research!  Of course, one of my favorite sites is Cleveland Clinic!  Here is some relevant items!

Cleveland Clinic - Omega 3 Fats

The first info is a part of history!  The story ........

Early Arctic explorers noted that the Eskimos, despite their consumption of high fat and high cholesterol foods, had a very low incidence of heart disease. Scientists and physicians were stumped at this and considered it a paradox; until, that is, they looked at their diets. What they found has changed the way nutrition and health care professionals prevent and treat heart disease today.The Eskimos' diets were rich in omega-3 fatty acids.


What is good for the Eskimos is good enough for me (and I love rubbing noses!)  The diet is the key!

How are Omega 3 beneficial?

• Reduces blood clot formation. Omega-3 fatty acids act as a natural anticoagulant by altering the ability of platelets in your blood to clump together.
• Inhibits the growth of plaque. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep the lining of the arteries smooth and clear of damage that can lead to the thickening and hardening of the arteries.
• Decreases triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). High triglyceride values and VLDL cholesterol are associated with increased risk for heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the rate at which these two substances are produced in the liver.
• May increase levels of the good cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Because omega-3 fatty acids lower triglyceride levels, they may also increase HDL, the "good" cholesterol that protects against the development of heart disease.
• Have anti-inflammatory properties. The development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is thought to involve your body's inflammatory response. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of substances that are released during the inflammatory response and in doing so, prevent substances from accumulating and sticking to the lining of the arteries.
• May lower blood pressure. Several studies have examined the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on blood pressure. Those who eat fish tend to have lower incidence of high blood pressure.

Keep arteries smooth & clear!  Reduce triglycerides!  More research to come!

Warning! Warning! Watch Your Snow Shoveling!

I needed to do this so my sister will stop giving me nasty phone calls!  My last blog I discussed snow shoveling!  So, I'm doing more research!   AND WARNING OTHERS - DO NOT TRY THIS WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR!

Snow shoveling after heart surgery - If you have not had a heart attack, you may be able to shovel light snow after 3 months.  Before doing so, warm up and do gentle stretches.  Pace yourself.  You may safely shovel if your effort is controlled at the "somewhat hard" level.    Again, mix work and rest every 2-3 minutes to avoid over doing it. 

While shoveling, remember to

• Avoid holding your breath.
• Shovel fresh snow rather than wet, packed snow.
• Push instead of lifting.  It's easier on the back and spine.  "Push shovels" are sold for this purpose.
• Avoid picking up too much snow at once.  Use a smaller shovel or only fill it ¼ to ½ full.
• Bend your legs and not your back.  Keep the small of your back straight.  This avoids placing extra stress on your spine.

The article is:  

Exercise and Activity After Heart Surgery

I even found this article after a heart transplant:

Also avoid activities that require pushing or pulling heavy objects, such as shoveling snow or mowing the lawn. Your doctor will tell you when you can resume these activities during your heart transplantation follow-ups.

One of my favorite web site the Cleveland Clinic - Activity & Exercise Guidelines

So, BE CAREFUL & Sorry to my sister!!!

Snow Shoveling & Heart Attack Risk

Well, the first snow is on the way & there is a chance to shovel snow!  The cardiac nurses told me, "No shoveling snow again EVER!"  Well I hate to say it, but that will not happen!  My plan is to be VERY careful, I'm retired - I have all day!  So, time to research!  Here is my first article:

Snow Shoveling & Heart Attack Risk!

For those who wish to shovel snow, follow these general tips to help stay healthy:

• Dress warmly and be sure to protect extremities such as your nose, ears, hands and feet. This is important because cold weather can reduce circulation, aggravating heart disease.
• Stretch your arm and leg muscles as you would before any exercise; this minimizes musculoskeletal injury and strain.
• Also warm up your cardiovascular system with a light activity such as marching in place or walking before shoveling. Warming up is an important means of modifying cardiovascular strain.
• Don’t eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol prior to shoveling (this is not a good way to work off a big meal!). Avoid stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine, which increase heart rate and cause blood vessels to constrict.
• Use a shovel with a small blade. It is safer for your heart as well as your back and joints to lift smaller and more frequent amounts of snow than to haul a few huge shovelfuls. Likewise, it is important to have a shovel that is suited for your height.
• Pace yourself. Start out shoveling slowly, and don’t try to clear the entire area at once.
• Take frequent breaks to give your heart a rest. Use the time off to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Also make sure you are eating normally and taking your routine medications. Push the snow rather than lifting and throwing it.
• If you must lift, do it properly. Spread your hands along the handle for more leverage, stand with your feet hip-width apart, and bend at the knees (not at the back).
• Do not twist or throw snow over your shoulder. Scoop in a forward motion and step in the direction you throw the snow to avoid lower back pain the day after shoveling.
• Know the warning signs of a heart attack. Stop immediately and seek emergency medical help if you experience heart attack symptoms such as chest pain, shoulder, neck or arm pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, sweating or nausea.

Looks like a lot of great ideas! I do many of these already.  I will try to adhere to all & make it to the spring!!!!!

24 Foods That Can Save Your Heart

One thing great about the internet is finding information that you need!  Today I am focusing on Heathy Food!  The article is on one of my favorite websites! - Web MD!

Have a look at - Web MD - 24 Foods That Can Save Your Heart

Fresh Herbs
Black Beans
Red Wine
Salmon
Tuna
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Walnuts
Almonds
Edamame - green soybeans
Tofu
Sweet Potatoes
Oranges
Swiss Chard - green leafy vegetable
Carrots
Barley
Oatmeal
Flaxseed
Loe-fat Yogurt
Coffee
Chili Pepper
Kosher Salt
Cherries
Blueberries

A great list I I like most of it!

Back from Green Bay

Part of my recovery from Open Heart Surgery is enjoying my Green Bay Packers!  This weekend was a difficult weekend to enjoy!  Losing 37-20 to the Giants in the playoffs, after having the BEST record in football this year was AGONIZING!!!  But what make these trips so great?

1 - The People!  On the way we met....

    A Father & Son taking a trip to Green Bay to see their first Packer game while doing a college visit!  Traveling from Connecticut, they were enjoying a a Dad & Son weekend!
     Everyone in Green Bay follows the Packers, the checkout our lady at the hotel was giving her opinion of the game, the waitress at the restaurant was telling us that her daughter was face painting her face Green & Gold!

2 - The Stadium - Lambeau Field is the OLDEST football field in the NFL!  The original field has been updated & added to, but the original field is still there!  A great place to watch a game!

3 - The Fans!  No crazies as in Philadelphia.  They are nice to fans from other teams.  From young to old, male to female, everyone LOVES the Packers!!!

4 - The Food!  Not always "Heart" healthy!  Brats & Beer.  A breakfast of corn n beef, eggs, home fries, etc!!  A place to cook your own steak or fish (I had a Tuna Steak - heart healthy!)  Ice Cream ( I cheated & had real ice cream!)  And cheap!  (Tuna steak, a beer, salad, bread, coffee for $12.00!!!

5 - Great Weather!  Cold 20's & Snow 4-8 inches on the ground!  It could have been a lot colder!  Four years ago it was 2 degrees with a wind chill of -25!!!!!!!

Green Bay!  A great place to relax!  A great place for Football!  Great Food!  And best of all GREAT PEOPLE!!!