Why I'll Be Wearing Red

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE:

    Also called: CAD, atherosclerotic heart disease

   Damage or disease in the heart's major blood vessels.

The usual cause is the buildup of plaque. This causes coronary arteries to narrow, limiting blood flow to the heart.

Coronary artery disease can range from no symptoms, to chest pain, to a heart attack.

Treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty, and surgery.  

Do you see what I highlighted in red up above?  This is why it is so hard to detect.  A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with CAD - Coronary Artery Disease  purely by God's grace.  I had no chest pains, no rapid heart beats. A little short of breath but that was not uncommon for me.  NO SYMNPTOMS

Gary and I had the opportunity to get a hear/lung scan at a super great rate.  This is not something that our insurance would pay and very expensive.  So when the opportunity presented we took advantage.  September 2021 we went and had our scans.  Thus it began.  

Within a matter of days I was talking to doctors who told me I had to see my primary care provider ASAP.  My calcium count was extremely high. Words like 'widow maker', 'heart attack', and 'open heart surgery' were used.  I then had many doctor appointments, many tests, and two heart caths. During each visit I kept hearing those words repeated over and over. I ended up having one stent placed in the main artery which was 75% blocked. I have two more arteries that are 50 % blocked. 

Some of you have never been through a heart catheter.  You are awake for the procedure.  They need you awake.  I was strapped down to the table and I could see the monitor the doctor was using as he threaded the catheter from my right wrist to my heart.  I remember saying 'My chest is starting to hurt.'  The doctor asked me what the pain level was.  I said '8".  Next thing I know I'm waking up in a recovery room with the doctor looking at me saying, 'You don't look very good.  Are you having trouble breathing?"

After an overnight stay in the hospital I was sent home. It has been thirteen months since I had the stent placed. During that time I have gone through 5 months of cardio rehab, 3 times a week. I was given multiple handouts.  I changed to a low sodium, heart-healthy diet.  I went through numerous medication changes from my cardiologist.  I have had an episode where I passed out which resulted in even more testing and more medication changes.  

My cardiologist now feels like we have a handle on things. I know what to do if I start to feel 'off'.  This is what will cause me to pass out.  I know to watch my diet.  I have pretty much given up on chips, french fries, salt (even going so far as to limit the good things like bacon, ham, sausage). I eat more chicken and fish. 

So don't think that just because you have no symptoms you are good to go.  If something feels off - see your doctor; more tired than usual, shortness of breath, chest pain.