I’ve just lately had some fascinating medical take a look at outcomes. The primary was my yearly echocardiogram. I noticed my heart specialist right now and he confirmed that each one is nicely, besides that some leaking across the edges of my alternative aortic valve, categorized as “gentle to average”. I first discovered about {that a} 12 months in the past, and my physician confirmed there may be nothing to be fearful about as a result of I’m asymptomatic and there’s no noticeable diastolic murmur. He confirmed this on the time by discussing it with my coronary heart surgeon. Regarding signs could be fluid retention or getting out of breath, or declining train capability, I’ve none of those. If the leaking does progress sufficient sooner or later, it is perhaps essential to get surgical procedure to redo the valve alternative.

My heart specialist additionally went over my blood work. Again in August my ldl cholesterol was nice, whole 146, ldl (“dangerous”) 79, and hdl (“good”) 38. He was proud of all of those, though the “good” may very well be somewhat larger. However my triglycerides have been 203, and must be underneath 150. I mentioned that’s occurred to me up to now, and I might clear it up with weight loss program by consuming much less junky carbs like cookies, which I attempted for just a few months. My repeat take a look at final week got here out whole 174, ldl (“dangerous”) 107, and hdl (“good”) 47, however I acquired 102 for my triglycerides. So, good job on the cookies, however ldl cholesterol somewhat worse, though the “good” is best. He’s nonetheless not fearful, we’ll repeat in six months. I believe I can get the ldl cholesterol higher by emphasizing extra complete meals plant based mostly consuming, and preserve the triglycerides down by avoiding junk. If not we could need to bump up my statin a bit.

My remaining current end result was a mind mri. This was a follow-up on my current head damage by my GP. It got here out regular so far as the damage, superb information. However it confirmed some abnormalities: “Delicate cerebral atrophy and findings of persistent small vessel ischemic illness.” My heart specialist thought these have been regular age associated. I’ll see what my GP thinks once I see her monday. I believe she could desire a follow-up with a neurologist. As you’ll be able to see in a hyperlink this may result in issues like stroke or dementia if it progresses. Prevention measures embrace sustaining good physique weight and blood strain and exercising, which I’m already doing, and reducing ldl cholesterol. So that is another excuse to work on doing a greater job on that.