My story - advice request...

Eric Deaver said:

I am 40 years old. Run two mile three days per week. Try to lift three other days (usually just
get in 2 days). Have ALWAYS had high Cholesterol (250+), bad hdl/ldl ratio, and high
Triglycerides.

Not good.

Quoted message said:

Have been experiencing ED over the past 3 years. Lately (last few weeks) have been experiencing
slight (very slight) discomfort - not pain - in heart area - more like lung congestion than
pain. Slight cough as well - allergies?? Also notice one finger on my right hand (pinky) always
goes numb when ever it get the least bit cold (60 degrees or less) or wet. Can see it is half
red / half white. Noticed this more over past few weeks. I am on Pravachor and this lowers my C
to below
200.

What about LDL and HDL?

Quoted message said:

I do not have heart attack history in immediate family.

What about your height and weight?

Do you smoke?

Quoted message said:

My doctor called for a stress test several years ago (I was experiencing resting chest pains - gas
he said). I passed that test fine.

That was several years ago.

Quoted message said:

I am concerned mainly because of my ED combined with historic high C.

ED can suggest occlusive vascular disease.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

masking bigger problem. I signed up for a ultrasound test with Life Line but had to cancel
appointment due to business. I have asked my doctor if there is a better test (I do not mind
paying) I could take. He has no problem with Lifeline for stroke carotid artery screening but saw
no need for peripheral arterial or abdominal screenings. He has given me no suggestion as to
alternatives.

Do you all have any advice?

You should be referred to a cardiologist for the new chest discomfort.

Quoted message said:

Should I just go forward with screening
or is it a waste of time (and money)?

Imho, the latter.

Quoted message said:

Would other non-invasive techniques be better?

Seeing a cardiologist would be better.

Quoted message said:

Am I wrong in thinking that just because my heart is strong does not mean I am safe from
MI death?

No.

Quoted message said:

I may not do anything different than I am now but at least I could KNOW what is going on in
my body.

TIA<

Eric

You are welcome.

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
heartmdphd.comheartmdphd.comOpen ↗

Eric,

It sound like you may have signs of metabolic syndrome or of diabetes. Low HDL high Trigs are two
signs. If you have high BP, central obesity, or high blood glucose you have a third and confirming
sign. Fortunately there's a lot you can do. See
abcnews.go.commetabolic syndrome021203.htmlOpen ↗

Are you a smoker? Many men with ED are. You won't see that in any cigarette ad! Re: your risk of CHD
given your high fitness level - yes, it's lower, but it doesn't confer complete protection. Search
for risk calculators on the web, the American Heart Association has one. If you do have metabolic
syndrome it's imperative for you to deal with it before you get diabetes and/or CHD. Your ED is
possibly due to damage of the tiny capillaries. What can cause that? Smoking, and high blood glucose
are two possiblities. Please post more info about yourself: height, weight, smoking habits, diet,
waistsize.

Eric Deaver <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I am 40 years old. Run two mile three days per week. Try to lift three other days (usually just
get in 2 days). Have ALWAYS had high Cholesterol (250+), bad hdl/ldl ratio, and high
Triglycerides. Have been experiencing ED over the past 3 years. Lately (last few weeks) have been
experiencing slight (very slight) discomfort - not pain - in heart area - more like lung
congestion than pain. Slight cough as well - allergies?? Also notice one finger on my right hand
(pinky) always goes numb when ever it get the least bit cold (60 degrees or less) or wet. Can see
it is half red / half white. Noticed this more over past few weeks. I am on Pravachor and this
lowers my C to below
200. I do not have heart attack history in immediate family.

My doctor called for a stress test several years ago (I was experiencing resting chest pains - gas
he said). I passed that test fine.

I am concerned mainly because of my ED combined with historic high C.

Quoted message said:

masking bigger problem. I signed up for a ultrasound test with Life Line but had to cancel
appointment due to business. I have asked my doctor if there is a better test (I do not mind
paying) I could take. He has no problem with Lifeline for stroke carotid artery screening but saw
no need for peripheral arterial or abdominal screenings. He has given me no suggestion as to
alternatives.

Do you all have any advice? Should I just go forward with screening or is it a waste of time (and
money)? Would other non-invasive techniques be better? Am I wrong in thinking that just because my
heart is strong does not mean I am safe from MI death? I may not do anything different than I am
now but at least I could KNOW what is going on in my body.

TIA<

Eric

MD/PhD said:

Eric Deaver said:

I am 40 years old. Run two mile three days per week. Try to lift three other days (usually just
get in 2 days). Have ALWAYS had high Cholesterol (250+), bad hdl/ldl ratio, and high
Triglycerides.

Not good.

Quoted message said:

Have been experiencing ED over the past 3 years. Lately (last few weeks) have been experiencing
slight (very slight) discomfort - not pain - in heart area - more like lung congestion than
pain. Slight cough as well - allergies?? Also notice one finger on my right hand (pinky) always
goes numb when ever it get the least bit cold (60 degrees or less) or wet. Can see it is half
red / half white. Noticed this more over past few weeks. I am on Pravachor and this lowers my C
to below
200.

What about LDL and HDL?

I took Lipitor for a while but the ED started 6 months into that (also six month after vasectomy - I
know I'm a mess). My LDL/HDL ratio was good when on Lipitor - I have started on Prav just about a
month ago and have not had followup test yet - just assumed it would come back into range since I
responded so well to Lipitor.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I do not have heart attack history in immediate family.

What about your height and weight?

I am 5'9" and weigh between 155 and 160 - little body fat.

Quoted message said:

Do you smoke?

I used to some 15 years ago - no longer.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My doctor called for a stress test several years ago (I was experiencing resting chest pains -
gas he said). I passed that test fine.

That was several years ago.

Quoted message said:

I am concerned mainly because of my ED combined with historic high C.

ED can suggest occlusive vascular disease.

I understand that so how could I confirm or deny the vascular disease?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

masking bigger problem. I signed up for a ultrasound test with Life Line but had to cancel
appointment due to business. I have asked my doctor if there is a better test (I do not mind
paying) I could take. He has no problem with Lifeline for stroke carotid artery screening but saw
no need for peripheral arterial or abdominal screenings. He has given me no suggestion as to
alternatives.

Do you all have any advice?

You should be referred to a cardiologist for the new chest discomfort.

What can a cardiologist do in terms of confirming or denying the vascular disease?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Should I just go forward with screening
or is it a waste of time (and money)?

Imho, the latter.

Quoted message said:

Would other non-invasive techniques be better?

Seeing a cardiologist would be better.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Am I wrong in thinking that just because my heart is strong does not mean I am safe from MI
death?

No.

Quoted message said:

I may not do anything different than I am now but at least I could KNOW what is going on in
my body.

TIA<

Eric

You are welcome.

Eric

On 25 Sep 2003 16:38:50 -0700, [email hidden] (Brad

Sheppard) said:

Eric,

It sound like you may have signs of metabolic syndrome or of diabetes. Low HDL high Trigs are two
signs. If you have high BP, central obesity, or high blood glucose you have a third and confirming
sign. Fortunately there's a lot you can do. See
abcnews.go.commetabolic syndrome021203.htmlOpen ↗

Are you a smoker? Many men with ED are. You won't see that in any cigarette ad! Re: your risk of
CHD given your high fitness level - yes, it's lower, but it doesn't confer complete protection.
Search for risk calculators on the web, the American Heart Association has one. If you do have
metabolic syndrome it's imperative for you to deal with it before you get diabetes and/or CHD. Your
ED is possibly due to damage of the tiny capillaries. What can cause that? Smoking, and high blood
glucose are two possiblities. Please post more info about yourself: height, weight, smoking habits,
diet, waistsize.

I am 5'9" and weigh about 155 - 160. My waist size is 32. My diet is relatively good but I do not
follow strict non-fat diet. I do not smoke but I used to some 15 years ago.

I should note that my HDLs are not so much low as my LDL's are high. My HDLs are consistently around
35-40 while my LDLs are in the 170 - 190 range.

Eric

Quoted message said:

Eric Deaver <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I am 40 years old. Run two mile three days per week. Try to lift three other days (usually just
get in 2 days). Have ALWAYS had high Cholesterol (250+), bad hdl/ldl ratio, and high
Triglycerides. Have been experiencing ED over the past 3 years. Lately (last few weeks) have been
experiencing slight (very slight) discomfort - not pain - in heart area - more like lung
congestion than pain. Slight cough as well - allergies?? Also notice one finger on my right hand
(pinky) always goes numb when ever it get the least bit cold (60 degrees or less) or wet. Can see
it is half red / half white. Noticed this more over past few weeks. I am on Pravachor and this
lowers my C to below
200. I do not have heart attack history in immediate family.

My doctor called for a stress test several years ago (I was experiencing resting chest pains -
gas he said). I passed that test fine.

I am concerned mainly because of my ED combined with historic high C.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

masking bigger problem. I signed up for a ultrasound test with Life Line but had to cancel
appointment due to business. I have asked my doctor if there is a better test (I do not mind
paying) I could take. He has no problem with Lifeline for stroke carotid artery screening but saw
no need for peripheral arterial or abdominal screenings. He has given me no suggestion as to
alternatives.

Do you all have any advice? Should I just go forward with screening or is it a waste of time (and
money)? Would other non-invasive techniques be better? Am I wrong in thinking that just because
my heart is strong does not mean I am safe from MI death? I may not do anything different than I
am now but at least I could KNOW what is going on in my body.

TIA<

Eric

Eric Deaver said:

MD/PhD said:

Eric Deaver said:

I am 40 years old. Run two mile three days per week. Try to lift three other days (usually just
get in 2 days). Have ALWAYS had high Cholesterol (250+), bad hdl/ldl ratio, and high
Triglycerides.

Not good.

Quoted message said:

Have been experiencing ED over the past 3 years. Lately (last few weeks) have been
experiencing slight (very slight) discomfort - not pain - in heart area - more like lung
congestion than pain. Slight cough as well - allergies?? Also notice one finger on my right
hand (pinky) always goes numb when ever it get the least bit cold (60 degrees or less) or wet.
Can see it is half red / half white. Noticed this more over past few weeks. I am on Pravachor
and this lowers my C to below
200.

What about LDL and HDL?

I took Lipitor for a while but the ED started 6 months into that (also six month after vasectomy -
I know I'm a mess). My LDL/HDL ratio was good when on Lipitor - I have started on Prav just about
a month ago and have not had followup test yet - just assumed it would come back into range since
I responded so well to Lipitor.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I do not have heart attack history in immediate family.

What about your height and weight?

I am 5'9" and weigh between 155 and 160 - little body fat.

Quoted message said:

Do you smoke?

I used to some 15 years ago - no longer.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My doctor called for a stress test several years ago (I was experiencing resting chest pains -
gas he said). I passed that test fine.

That was several years ago.

Quoted message said:

I am concerned mainly because of my ED combined with historic high C.

ED can suggest occlusive vascular disease.

I understand that so how could I confirm or deny the vascular disease?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

masking bigger problem. I signed up for a ultrasound test with Life Line but had to cancel
appointment due to business. I have asked my doctor if there is a better test (I do not mind
paying) I could take. He has no problem with Lifeline for stroke carotid artery screening but
saw no need for peripheral arterial or abdominal screenings. He has given me no suggestion as
to alternatives.

Do you all have any advice?

You should be referred to a cardiologist for the new chest discomfort.

What can a cardiologist do in terms of confirming or denying the vascular disease?

Lots of different kinds of stress tests.

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
heartmdphd.comheartmdphd.comOpen ↗

Eric,

Your weight and waistsize are excellent - good job. Frankly I'm baffled - how's your blood pressure
and fasting blood glucose? If they're normal you can rule out metabolic syndrome. It seems to me
that a simple test for PAD might be indicated ( measure BP in ankle and arm with ultrasound) given
your symptoms. It sure seems like something abnormal is going on with you.

Eric Deaver <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

(Brad Sheppard) said:

Eric,

It sound like you may have signs of metabolic syndrome or of diabetes. Low HDL high Trigs are two
signs. If you have high BP, central obesity, or high blood glucose you have a third and
confirming sign. Fortunately there's a lot you can do. See
abcnews.go.commetabolic syndrome021203.htmlOpen ↗

Are you a smoker? Many men with ED are. You won't see that in any cigarette ad! Re: your risk of
CHD given your high fitness level - yes, it's lower, but it doesn't confer complete protection.
Search for risk calculators on the web, the American Heart Association has one. If you do have
metabolic syndrome it's imperative for you to deal with it before you get diabetes and/or CHD.
Your ED is possibly due to damage of the tiny capillaries. What can cause that? Smoking, and high
blood glucose are two possiblities. Please post more info about yourself: height, weight, smoking
habits, diet, waistsize.

I am 5'9" and weigh about 155 - 160. My waist size is 32. My diet is relatively good but I do not
follow strict non-fat diet. I do not smoke but I used to some 15 years ago.

I should note that my HDLs are not so much low as my LDL's are high. My HDLs are consistently
around 35-40 while my LDLs are in the 170 - 190 range.

Eric

Quoted message said:

Eric Deaver <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I am 40 years old. Run two mile three days per week. Try to lift three other days (usually just
get in 2 days). Have ALWAYS had high Cholesterol (250+), bad hdl/ldl ratio, and high
Triglycerides. Have been experiencing ED over the past 3 years. Lately (last few weeks) have
been experiencing slight (very slight) discomfort - not pain - in heart area - more like lung
congestion than pain. Slight cough as well - allergies?? Also notice one finger on my right
hand (pinky) always goes numb when ever it get the least bit cold (60 degrees or less) or wet.
Can see it is half red / half white. Noticed this more over past few weeks. I am on Pravachor
and this lowers my C to below
200. I do not have heart attack history in immediate family.

My doctor called for a stress test several years ago (I was experiencing resting chest pains -
gas he said). I passed that test fine.

I am concerned mainly because of my ED combined with historic high C.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

masking bigger problem. I signed up for a ultrasound test with Life Line but had to cancel
appointment due to business. I have asked my doctor if there is a better test (I do not mind
paying) I could take. He has no problem with Lifeline for stroke carotid artery screening but
saw no need for peripheral arterial or abdominal screenings. He has given me no suggestion as
to alternatives.

Do you all have any advice? Should I just go forward with screening or is it a waste of time
(and money)? Would other non-invasive techniques be better? Am I wrong in thinking that just
because my heart is strong does not mean I am safe from MI death? I may not do anything
different than I am now but at least I could KNOW what is going on in my body.

TIA<

Eric

On 26 Sep 2003 08:06:27 -0700, [email hidden] (Brad

Sheppard) said:

Eric,

Your weight and waistsize are excellent - good job. Frankly I'm baffled - how's your blood pressure
and fasting blood glucose? If they're normal you can rule out metabolic syndrome. It seems to me
that a simple test for PAD might be indicated ( measure BP in ankle and arm with ultrasound) given
your symptoms. It sure seems like something abnormal is going on with you.

My doctor did a full blood workup on me recently. Aside from Chol. and Triglyc., nothing abnormal.
BP is low. I am scheudled for ultrasound and BP test in early October. Only other thing to do is go
see cardiologist for more stress tests or other non-invasives. If October test shows nothing, that
is what I will do.

Eric

Quoted message said:

Eric Deaver <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

(Brad Sheppard) said:

Eric,

It sound like you may have signs of metabolic syndrome or of diabetes. Low HDL high Trigs are
two signs. If you have high BP, central obesity, or high blood glucose you have a third and
confirming sign. Fortunately there's a lot you can do. See
abcnews.go.commetabolic syndrome021203.htmlOpen ↗

Are you a smoker? Many men with ED are. You won't see that in any cigarette ad! Re: your risk of
CHD given your high fitness level - yes, it's lower, but it doesn't confer complete protection.
Search for risk calculators on the web, the American Heart Association has one. If you do have
metabolic syndrome it's imperative for you to deal with it before you get diabetes and/or CHD.
Your ED is possibly due to damage of the tiny capillaries. What can cause that? Smoking, and
high blood glucose are two possiblities. Please post more info about yourself: height, weight,
smoking habits, diet, waistsize.

I am 5'9" and weigh about 155 - 160. My waist size is 32. My diet is relatively good but I do not
follow strict non-fat diet. I do not smoke but I used to some 15 years ago.

I should note that my HDLs are not so much low as my LDL's are high. My HDLs are consistently
around 35-40 while my LDLs are in the 170 - 190 range.

Eric

Quoted message said:

Eric Deaver <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
> I am 40 years old. Run two mile three days per week. Try to lift three other days (usually
> just get in 2 days). Have ALWAYS had high Cholesterol (250+), bad hdl/ldl ratio, and high
> Triglycerides. Have been experiencing ED over the past 3 years. Lately (last few weeks) have
> been experiencing slight (very slight) discomfort - not pain - in heart area - more like lung
> congestion than pain. Slight cough as well - allergies?? Also notice one finger on my right
> hand (pinky) always goes numb when ever it get the least bit cold (60 degrees or less) or wet.
> Can see it is half red / half white. Noticed this more over past few weeks. I am on Pravachor
> and this lowers my C to below
> 200. I do not have heart attack history in immediate family.
>
> My doctor called for a stress test several years ago (I was experiencing resting chest pains -
> gas he said). I passed that test fine.
>
> I am concerned mainly because of my ED combined with historic high C.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> masking bigger problem. I signed up for a ultrasound test with Life Line but had to cancel
> appointment due to business. I have asked my doctor if there is a better test (I do not mind
> paying) I could take. He has no problem with Lifeline for stroke carotid artery screening but
> saw no need for peripheral arterial or abdominal screenings. He has given me no suggestion as
> to alternatives.
>
> Do you all have any advice? Should I just go forward with screening or is it a waste of time
> (and money)? Would other non-invasive techniques be better? Am I wrong in thinking that just
> because my heart is strong does not mean I am safe from MI death? I may not do anything
> different than I am now but at least I could KNOW what is going on in my body.
>
> TIA<
>
> Eric

Hmmm - that's baffling. Low blood pressure is good - ideal BP is
115/75. There's a blood test you can do yourself for $25 - it's Hba1c. Hba1c measures your average
blood glucose over the last 8 to 12 weeks. This could rule out diabetes or metabolic
syndrome if normal. The home test kit is called "A1cNow" and is sold by Walgreen's among
others. Hba1c actually predicts heart disease better than chol, and if your number is high
you could have diabetes or pre-diabetes. See
vanderbiltowc.wellsource.comcontent.aspOpen ↗

Eric Deaver <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

(Brad Sheppard) said:

Eric,

Your weight and waistsize are excellent - good job. Frankly I'm baffled - how's your blood
pressure and fasting blood glucose? If they're normal you can rule out metabolic syndrome. It
seems to me that a simple test for PAD might be indicated ( measure BP in ankle and arm with
ultrasound) given your symptoms. It sure seems like something abnormal is going on with you.

My doctor did a full blood workup on me recently. Aside from Chol. and Triglyc., nothing abnormal.
BP is low. I am scheudled for ultrasound and BP test in early October. Only other thing to do is
go see cardiologist for more stress tests or other non-invasives. If October test shows nothing,
that is what I will do.

Eric

Quoted message said:

Eric Deaver <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

On 25 Sep 2003 16:38:50 -0700, [email hidden] (Brad Sheppard) wrote:

>Eric,
>
>It sound like you may have signs of metabolic syndrome or of diabetes. Low HDL high Trigs are
>two signs. If you have high BP, central obesity, or high blood glucose you have a third and
>confirming sign. Fortunately there's a lot you can do. See
>abcnews.go.commetabolic syndrome021203.htmlOpen ↗
>
>Are you a smoker? Many men with ED are. You won't see that in any cigarette ad! Re: your risk
>of CHD given your high fitness level - yes, it's lower, but it doesn't confer complete
>protection. Search for risk calculators on the web, the American Heart Association has one. If
>you do have metabolic syndrome it's imperative for you to deal with it before you get diabetes
>and/or CHD. Your ED is possibly due to damage of the tiny capillaries. What can cause that?
>Smoking, and high blood glucose are two possiblities. Please post more info about yourself:
>height, weight, smoking habits, diet, waistsize.

I am 5'9" and weigh about 155 - 160. My waist size is 32. My diet is relatively good but I do
not follow strict non-fat diet. I do not smoke but I used to some 15 years ago.

I should note that my HDLs are not so much low as my LDL's are high. My HDLs are consistently
around 35-40 while my LDLs are in the 170 - 190 range.

Eric

>
>Eric Deaver <[email hidden]> wrote in message
>news:<[email hidden]>...
>> I am 40 years old. Run two mile three days per week. Try to lift three other days (usually
>> just get in 2 days). Have ALWAYS had high Cholesterol (250+), bad hdl/ldl ratio, and high
>> Triglycerides. Have been experiencing ED over the past 3 years. Lately (last few weeks) have
>> been experiencing slight (very slight) discomfort - not pain - in heart area - more like
>> lung congestion than pain. Slight cough as well - allergies?? Also notice one finger on my
>> right hand (pinky) always goes numb when ever it get the least bit cold (60 degrees or less)
>> or wet. Can see it is half red / half white. Noticed this more over past few weeks. I am on
>> Pravachor and this lowers my C to below
>> 200. I do not have heart attack history in immediate family.
>>
>> My doctor called for a stress test several years ago (I was experiencing resting chest pains
>> - gas he said). I passed that test fine.
>>
>> I am concerned mainly because of my ED combined with historic high C.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> masking bigger problem. I signed up for a ultrasound test with Life Line but had to cancel
>> appointment due to business. I have asked my doctor if there is a better test (I do not mind
>> paying) I could take. He has no problem with Lifeline for stroke carotid artery screening
>> but saw no need for peripheral arterial or abdominal screenings. He has given me no
>> suggestion as to alternatives.
>>
>> Do you all have any advice? Should I just go forward with screening or is it a waste of time
>> (and money)? Would other non-invasive techniques be better? Am I wrong in thinking that just
>> because my heart is strong does not mean I am safe from MI death? I may not do anything
>> different than I am now but at least I could KNOW what is going on in my body.
>>
>> TIA<
>>
>> Eric