Many will chime in with very long and detailed resonses soon so I will try to give you my short version opinion. I'm sorry for your loss, that is young but not unheard of. the pain in your chest may be stress related or a heart issue. If you can massage it away that is a good sign. In most cases if you are having a HA it won't go away. If you start taking Cholestrol meds you still should watch your diet. By having a brother who died of a HA your risk factor increases so you need to do everything you can to lower it. Exercise, eat right, lower stress when possible, don't smoke etc. The meds should help lower your cholesterol which will lower your risk factor for a HA. I thnk it's important to note that there is no magic bullet here. Some people do everything right and still have heart attacks. I lost a sister at 58 whose risk factors were very low. I personally think the genic and hereditary factors are huge so you need to do all you can in other ways to keep your risk factors as low as possible.

Good luck

Hi Neilster,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. It's really sad about your brother. And it makes sense that it's making you question your own risk.

I agree with everything that songsj said, including that some of us, present party included, can be a bit long-winded at times here! Haha!

I don't know enough about the pain question to respond to that part of what you asked.

Regarding your question about cholesterol meds, someone told me that many cardiologists take cholesterol meds for their preventative effects. My cholesterol is running quite low now (results hot off the press today- total 118, HDL 60, LDL 43), but so far my cardiologist wants me to stay on a small dose of Lipitor for it's anti-inflammatory effects. So if a cholesterol med has been recommended to you, it's really worth considering. If you do start taking it, looking into taking the over-the-counter supplement CoQ10 to reduce the risk of muscle side effects. You can search the discussion topics on this site for more info about CoQ10.

I do agree with songsj's feedback that the meds alone aren't enough.

You asked if you "still have to watch" what you eat. Remember that you don't HAVE TO do anything. None of us here who've had heard attacks HAVE TO do anything either. It's just a matter of how motivated we are to reduce our risk of a future heart attack or other heart problems.

We heart attack survivors are almost a bit "lucky" in this respect, because we got a jump start of our motivation for healthy eating, exercise, etc. Many of us (including me) literally got a jump start! When your motivation comes from something less direct, like a possible genetic risk, I'm sure it's sort of harder to feel motivated to make various big changes. Especially when you have a lot of other stresses going on. If you do decide to make some of these other changes, like diet and other things that songsj mentioned, be patient with yourself and seek support.

By the way, in the summer, I love to make a lower fat burger on the grill, put it on a toasted whole wheat English muffin, and pile on various veggies, like fresh avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, and red onions. Delicious!!! In other words, over time you can learn to eat heart healthy, yet not suffer at all, if that's what you want to do.

My Gosh. Another great question. Long winded Sue? I don't have any idea what you mean by that statement. Ha! Ha!

Great comments so far and I am very sorry for your loss. Sue says something psychologically relevant to 1) Motivation following a Cardiac Event and 2) Motivation by just knowing that your are in a high risk factor or have prime family genes which are precursors to Cardiac Disease or other related vascular conditions.

Compare it to you parents, when we were teenagers saying "Don't have sex" until your married. How many of us took that advice?

The cholesterol discission above also states two very important things. To qualify the specifics. Can I continue to eat unhealthily if I am on A cholesterol reducing medication. The answer is pretty much, "Yeah" you can do anything you like. But there are serious implications to your theory and subsequent decision. The medications that control your LDL (Bad Stuff) and trygycerides will tear your liver to pieces over time. Sue mentions CoQ10 as a supplementary addition to medications like Zocor or Crestor. Absolutely, although not having concensus in all of the cardiac community. I recommend it. I call that ownership to my heart. But we recovering survivors of major Cardiac Events tend to alter our diets in unison with the meds to control our cholesterol levels. As your lifestyle changes, you will be able to maitain a healthy cholesterol level by diet and excersise. Your medication dosage amounts will decreaase over time as your lipid profile remains consistent and improving liver function you will notice other great benefits form your new healthy heart life style.

But I won't sit here and blow smoke about being totally a healthy eater. We moderate. Most of us treat ourselves to a good dose of choleserol and other unhealthy items as a form of reward for changing our life styles. It's not like an alcoholic never ever being able to drink again. We just moderate and monitor our CBC's and cardiac and lipid blood profiles regularly to monitor how well our Cardiologists and us are teaming up to improve our health situations.

Great heart health regimens have been known to resverse the effects and damage of some cardiac related conditions.

So I guess after being slightly long winded, Sue, I would say given the pertinent facts the choice is really neilster's. Heed the data based cardiac facts or play "Russian Roulette" with a ticking time bomb. The choice is always ours, isn't it?

I have chosen to place Jesus in the equation to help me with any tendencies to backslide into an unhealthy lifestyle, I mean this to include my wonderful friends here on DS who are constant reminders and supporters of good heart health.

One good statistic is ~ 60 % of heart attack survivors revert back to their previous unhealthy life style within 6 months of their events and then become heart attack victims again with 1 in 2 dying. The survival component is a blessing from above, the victim issue is more based on our wills then the "Creators". What will your choice be?

Sorry about being long winded. But I am soooo good at aerobics anymore it's a riot when I can do three miles on a computer. Ha Ha !

My Very Best to the decisions facing you,

Just Joe

Dr. said that 'inflammation' was a major contributor to my heart attack, almost two years back. My cholesterol numbers were high but not in the extreme danger zone. The doctors put me on simvastatin anyhow. (and recommended weight loss)

Well, I did set about completely overhauling my diet, and my cholesterol numbers now are very good. So I asked my Dr if I could come off the simvastatin (cholesterol med). He said, and was backed up by every other Dr. I talked to, not to mention some good folks here on this forum, that I should keep on taking simvastatin for it's superior anti-inflammatory properties. So, good cholesterol notwithstanding, I'm going to stick with it simply as a preventative measure.

I'm still not eating Big Macs, but only because they're outside of my new lifestyle zone in so many other ways.... sodium, fat, calories etc etc.

My heart attack, btw, did not feel like a chest muscle pain that could be massaged away. I know that they're all different like snowflakes, but I could tell that something was pretty seriously wrong, and it felt different from a muscular issue. For what it's worth.

All the best,
Steve

Good point Steve,

How does a heart attack feel? Not to be "gauche" but can you desrcribe an orgasm that is the same as everyone else's explanation? Probably not coz there would be 1000's of pretty cool descript X-rated accounts shared here like we haven't seen since when we discussed when was it OK to Have Sex after a heart attack!!!! This is not unlike a Heart Attack/ Myocardial Infarction. Some cardiac events are symptomless to the unsuspecting individual, some experience nausea with or without vomitting. Some a soreness across the back of the chest like a muscle ache which you would feel a hot bath would alleviate. Some aches across the chest with some breathlessness and fatigue, sorta like being winded.

Rarely have I seen or heard a scenario like "Oh Elizabeth, I'm coming dear this is the big one." From Sanford and Son. Very often, and I can confidently quote from others experiences here that it is a sudden or gradual feeling of malaise and achiness. Could be jaw, neck, shoulder, left arm, across the back or nausea as said. But nothing that would alarm the non-suspecting that you were actually experiencing a Heart Attack. Now I can Only speak for the living here. Those who experience Heart Attacks with serious MI complications who don't live to share their stories may have a different tale to share. My main MI occurred 2 months before I actually thought I was having a heart attack. Meaning that the heart attack 2 months earlier which caused much L. Ventricular damage, I did not notice. But the one 2 months later threw up a flag that something was just "Not Right" Nothing to cry about just I didn't feel normal like I had ever felt before. Hard to describe but quite easy to infer that something was arwy. When I found out I was having an MI it surprised me and confirmed things at the same time. The morphine was actually quite nice. I don't remember the "Paddle Smack" back from the abyss. But I do remember the wonderous experience of being between two conciousnesses. I can't articulate this but I can say that the experience brought me back to Jesus with the help of some wonderful friends here on DS.

But a soreness that can be massaged away? A heart Attack? Maybe yes. If you fit into the risk category or have genes that are conducive to cardiac issues than most definitely any odd, out of the ordinary feeling in the areas mentioned should not go unadressed.
Hell ER's are 95% boredom 5% sheer hell. Damn give em hell I say and get checked out. Have em look at those cardiac enzymes which are unigue to MI's. Stress tests although not even close to accurte are another weapon in their arsenal. I would get my hands on the best Cardiologist your PCP can recommend and then demand he partner with you and beat this thing. He won't be able to tell you what a heart attack is going to feel like to you either. If he, himself had one he could only share his experience which could be as different as the "gauche orgasm scenario" Like was it bad for you? No how was it for you? Oh pretty ordinary like I felt nothing special. Not that any of us have heard that from our mates. Ha ! Ha!

Not like we can put on a HA/MI amplification device and wear it until our hair stands on end to ascertain an attack. We just understand the odds, listen to others stories, look at and examine our life styles and figure the odds. I would venture to say if you smoke three packs of cigaretes a day, are high stress 'Type" A. Love cheese and Big Mac's and take advantage of a bottle of Jack Daniels to wash it down while watching an episode of Samford and Son, at the same time as feeling a heavy feeling in your chest or back or left shoulder, jaw or left arm, I would put my money on a coronary event occurring. Ya Think? And then beckon "Elizabeth"

My Best To You,

Just Joe

Hello Neilster,

I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother. He was so young and it is my opinion that you need to be aware of your health. Our life styles and the levels of stress to which we live with will manifest its self somewhere somehow.

Although panic mode is not always beneficial I would think that in this instance it is. You are becoming more aware and tuned to your body, and its functions. Which gives you somewhat of an advantage.

Taking medication is not enough to manage your cholesterol it takes a change in diet and perhaps your life style. Cholesterol can also be part of your family history, which in my opinion is something to take seriously. Take the medication, eat healthier and get your levels checked regularly.

When I had my massive heart attack in 2008 I did not have any symptoms that met the criteria of a heart attack. As a matter of fact, when I was first in the ER they were treating me for a stomach virus. It was not until the blood work came back which indicated that I was in kidney failure and the enzymes indicated that I had a heart attack.

When it comes to your health I encourage you to take a long look at your life style the stresses and learn your body. Know and realize when it is giving you indications that something is wrong.

There are a lot of us who do our very best to provide everyone with our understanding, experiences and support. So there are many of us who write pages and pages in response to a topic.

Wish you the very best and send you prayers and blessings.
Jerry

Son of a biatch! This sucks, I can't cook at all and most food outside of the house that is healthy is expensive as hell.

Man... I'm going to be on this forum a very very very long time is seems. Nice to meet you all.

Hi neilster,
I am sorry for your loss. Losing anyone we love is hard, family is perhaps the hardest.

I won't comment on the meds issue, as I agree with what everyone here has said. I take Crestor and eat a low fat/low sodium diet, and my numbers are good - at least my cardio likes them:)

In changing your lifestyle to be healthier, I suggest you not look at the whole thing. It can be overwhelming. Instead, maybe you can take one thing - like exercise - and do that for a few weeks, then add another - like lowering the fat in your diet the next few weeks - and add another, and so on. Soon you'll find that you are making good choices for your health, and many of them will become second nature.

Eating healthy can cost more, but there are ways to reduce the cost. Fresh produce isn't usually expensive when it's in season. Chicken, turkey, and some fish is pretty cheap (at least where I live), and you can learn to cook some basic, healthy meals that you can rely on. There are a couple of healthy cooking threads here that you might find helpful. I live in the third heaviest state in the nation (we used to be #2), but you can still be healthy.

Hugs and prayers,
Pam

Neilster,

I read your comment about your inability to cook and the expense of healthy food to dine out or bring home. You are what I would consider to be a strong individual who is learning from the tragic loss of your brother. From your posts and replies you are an intelligent man who is taking control of your heart heath before it increases.

Cooking is not difficult at all. No you are most likely not going to become another Gordon Ramsey, but with some basic cooking skills will save you money and can be enjoyable if you choose to make it so. You can obviously read and in my opinion that is a required skill to learn to cook successfully.

Watching your salt intake is very important for a couple of reasons, one it prevents you from building up or retaining fluids and two it helps reduce your cholesterol. Look and compare those items which are marked heart healthy or lite and you will more often than not find them loaded with salt. They are or were designed for someone who is heart health conscience not for one who had suffered heart damage.

The rule of thumb which really applies (in my opinion) is fresh or frozen is better than canned when it comes to vegetables. Meat to say away from is shell fish and red meats. Pork and chicken are better for you and you can prepare them differently so you have variety. If you decide to attempt cooking begin by grilling chicken with a little salt free Mrs. Dash or simple lemon peels and some lemon juice. Cook or grill is slow to keep it tender, juicy and to insure it is cooked properly. You may have to adjust to the loss or reduction in salt, for me it did not take long at all.

Should you decide to eat out, go to restaurants such as Applebees OCharlies, Longhorns and other restaurants that you like in your city. When ordering ask important questions, such as do you season your chicken or meat when or before cooking? Request that they do not put on any seasoning on your meat, ask for steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes verses French or home fries. A house salad can often be substituted for a side if you cannot find something that you like. Keep the salad basic and do not ask for fat free of lite dressings. Remember they have a lot of salt in their ingredients.

You will find that if you cook at home you will save money in long run, but it requires action on your part. If you eat out, you can find affordable healthy items on the menus of the restaurants listed. There are many really good recipes that we have shared in the group.

I know that I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group and I thank GOD that we have found each other. I look forward to exploring a friendship with you as I enjoy so many others here. You are in my prayers and I wish you many blessings for your stress test. I am lighting a candle for you

With respect,
Jerry

hello everyone,
Welcome Neilster,
To answer your question about chest pain...
In my case I had severe chest pain.To rate it it was 11/10 So bad I was in and out couldnt remember all of my ride to the hospital. It was a burning tighting pain that was in the middle of my chest.And no nothing like indigestion.The pain went down into my left arm.My pain lasted 4 hours during my 1st heart attack.Nothing could relieve the pain.No kind of pain killers helped.I was also out of breath.very thirsty (I must of drank 3 tall glasses of water before the chest pain started)Very anxious and Very very tired.I also had chills.

During my second heart attack I had all the same signs and symptoms.To be honest with you I was ready to let myself go because I could not bare the pain the 2nd time..I had a little help with up above to guide me though the pain the 2nd time. :)

I hope this might help you out a little for the S/S

Take care Tanya