Wish me luck or a fast ambulance.

[txdon]

Thanks Don. As long as I have changed my diet it just makes sense to do one that helps me get better instead of getting worse more slowly.

Chris

Most of my relative that just follow the American Heart Assoc. diet are back under the knife in 8-10 years. I want this to be my last time for at least another 30 years. I am committed not to do just a good diet but to do the best diet.
Don.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Hey Don,
What does the diet say about Omega 3 oils? Does it matter if they are derived from flax or fish?

 

[txdon]

Kyle, quick answer: neither.

Longer answer:

"There is no doubt that the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are valuable but there are other, safer sources of these acids...

......Omega-3 fatty acids - You can fulfill your daily requirement by consuming one tablespoon of flaxseed meal each day - perhaps sprinkling it over cereal. Be sure to refrigerate ground flaxseed." Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. M. D.

For those without heart disease walnuts (in moderation) provide omega 3 fatty acids.


NO REFINED OILS.
Chapter 10 is titled "Why Can't I Have "Heart Healthy" oils.

Olive oil is 14-17% saturated, artery clogging fat.

Studies are cited where heart disease progressed just as much as those consuming monounsaturated fats as it had in those eating saturated fats.

Monounsaturated fats do increase HDL and lower LDL but coronary disease still develops.

It has to do with the fats temporarily injuring the endothelial cells in the lining of the artery compromising their ability to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is what keeps arteries slick and keeps plaque from developing.

For pages and pages of details (to the cellular level) and for the studies:
"Prevent and Reversing Heart Disease" by Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. M. D.

 

[txdon]

A quick 7 month follow up: Went to an E2 emersion a few weeks ago and got a lot of good information and encouragement from Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Rip Esselstyn and nutritionalist Jeff Novack.

Last weekend I did the hospital's 5K run and knocked 3 minutes off my time and back to under 9 minute miles. I came in 15th place out of 104.

I'm back to responding with the VFD. The grant monies I found 3 years ago paid off last week with the delivery of our new fire truck last week.

Karen continues to work PT at the hospital's Cardiac Rehab.

I have gotten off of one heart med and have reduced my statins in half (LDL 46) with the cardiologist approval. (Goal is to be on no heart meds and no statins in 5 months) The plant-based no added oils diet is working good with my heart and lost another 5 lbs. No chest pains. Tonight will finally be a nice cool run with the running club after this very hot Texas summer.

I will beat this heart disease. Thanks all for your support.

 

[EddieWalker]

Congratulations Don,

Nice to hear that you're seeing such impressive and noticable results from your efforts. The old saying about getting out what you put into it really does apply to you and what you're doing.

Sounds like you are getting younger in your retirement!!!!!!!

Eddie

 

[ronjhall]

Good news Don. Keep up the good recovery.
Do you need a permit to drive that shiny Red Fire Truck?

 

[jinman]

Don, it's great to hear that you are doing so well with your recovery and diet. You obviously set your goals high and continue to achieve them. That includes scoring a new truck for your VFD. Methinks they are lucky to have you as a member.:thumbsup:

 

[beppington]

Don, that's great that you've not just given up; that you've taken responsibility for your health & are being proactive in trying to improve/ repair it. A lot of people don't have that in them, & they subject themselves to more pain & discomfort & are gone sooner than they probably should be.

It is really, really hard to give up all those sweet, salty, & fattening foods once you're used to them. And this is coming from a skinny guy with no health/ heart problems (yet) I eat lunch out 6-7 days a week, & I can attest that not many restaurants cater to a vegan/ healthy diet. I myself am trying to adhere to your diet ... prior to being split open to be convinced that I need to :thumbsup:

 

[txdon]

Thanks guys!

Oh, one more very important item on the recovery road. The damage to my heart after the heart attack was measured by a cardiac output of 40%. I took an echocardiogram in June to check the cardiac output and it had increased to 60%, which is back in the normal range!!!

Next week I'll head to Houston to see If I qualify for a five year study called the Century Health Study at The University of Texas Medical School and Memorial Hermann Hospital. It uses the PET scan as feedback to keep patients on track at stopping and reversing heart disease. I'm still undecided if I need the scan (radiation) as incentive.
However, the support team and the visual window of the blood flow in the heart is great feedback and incentive. If anyone thinks they qualify (before you have a heart attack) here is the web site - Century Health Study | The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

Bepington, good luck on the healthy diet.

I tried the American Heart Assoc. Diet and "in moderation diet" for years before I realized the hard way that moderation kills. Now when I see certain foods and I have flashbacks of me in the back of the ambulance.
Not everyone gets heart disease and some people can eat anything and not have any heart disease, (my brother), so I don't encourage my diet for everyone. I'm just in the unlucky half trying to improve my odds and compensating for bad genes.

 

[Western]

Don, it's incredible your making the best of a second chance and wish you the best. I know allot of guys are walking around like a time bomb and don't even know it, me being one. I occasionally think about that when I have a few cheese sticks or a bowl (or 2) of Blue Bell I know I had high Cholesterol, up to 284, went on a strict diet and in 1 1/2 months it was at 201. Allot of plain rice and veggies and oatmeal:thumbsup: Probably back up though:ashamed: