Atlanta, Georgia Local News
5 Questions I Asked After Two Heart Attacks
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February is national Heart Month
As the surgical technician rolled my hospital bed into the frigid operating room, my uneasiness grew, and my mind raced with questions about how and why this was happening again.
Within a four-month period, doctors placed four stents to restore proper blood flow to my heart. This procedure was more intense than the previous; this time my right arm felt like it was on fire, and I could feel the heart catheter inching its way from my right wrist to the left side of my chest. All I could do was lie still and pray to survive this unexpected diagnosis of heart disease.
Although death rates within the county I was living in were improving, it didn’t make me feel any better. My cardiologist could not explain why I had experienced another cardiac event in such a short time. The uncertainty took an emotional toll on me, making it difficult to sleep for fear of not waking up.
A week later, I received a sign from God. I stumbled upon actor Malik Yoba being interviewed on a radio show. He spoke about his quadruple bypass heart surgery and mentioned having elevated lipoprotein (a) levels. I immediately began researching lipoprotein (a). Could this be the reason for my rapid progression? Why hadn’t my cardiologist tested for this?
I advocated for my health and demanded a blood test to measure my lipoprotein (a) levels. Bingo! My levels were extremely high.
So, whether you are experiencing heart-related issues or not, keep reading to discover what I learned about lipoprotein (a), what I learned about myself, and why you should get tested.
1. What is lipoprotein (a)?
After my cardiac events, I learned that lipoprotein (a) plays a significant role in heart disease. These sticky particles are made of fat and proteins in my bloodstream and cause a buildup of plaque in my arteries. High levels of lipoprotein (a) increase my risk of heart attack and stroke, and understanding this has become a critical part of managing my heart health.
2. What Don’t I Know About My Family History?
I discovered that genetics has an impact on lipoprotein (a) levels, and these levels can vary greatly among people. I made phone calls and sent messages asking health-related questions about my deceased and living family members. This has been a pivotal first step in evaluating my own cardiac risks.
3. How Would I Have Known What to Ask For?
Despite the importance of lipoprotein (a), it was never included in my routine health checks. Even though I have normal LDL and HDL cholesterol numbers, my untested lipoprotein (a) levels remained a hidden risk factor that left me in the dark about my underlying cardiovascular risk for years. It’s important to note that the lipoprotein (a) test must be specifically requested by the patient and isn’t always covered by insurance plans.
4. How Do I Manage High Lipoprotein (a) Levels?
I found out that there are no absolute methods to lower lipoprotein (a) levels. The current treatment focuses on reducing overall cardiovascular risk factors by adopting a healthier lifestyle, controlling cholesterol levels, and taking prescribed medications. There are no FDA-approved drugs to lower lipoprotein (a) levels yet. However, clinical trials are underway for the testing of potential drug therapies.
5. Should I Fire My Cardiologist?
I now incorporate regular monitoring of lipoprotein (a) levels into my heart healthcare regimen. Given my cardiologist’s inability to provide effective treatment, I’ve requested a referral to a specialist known as a lipidologist. Unfortunately, appointments are scarce, and I can’t be seen by the specialist until October 2024. But being informed about my lipoprotein (a) levels has enabled more personalized strategies for managing my heart disease.
Confronting the intricacies of heart health can be challenging, especially when armed with incomplete information. My experience with high lipoprotein (a) levels serves as a reminder to take ownership of my health, advocate for comprehensive testing, and seek out specialized care when necessary.
I admit this process is scary, but it forces me to say “yes” more than ever before. Yes to pursuing journalism, yes to vulnerability, yes to adopting a puppy, and yes to embracing life fully.
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Lentheus Chaney
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