Wednesday, September 30, 2009

HEART JOURNAL PAGE 3



I Glued a 5 x 7 copy of my Queen of Hearts painting to the page and then began writing some facts from the book I'm reading called Reverse Heart Disease Now (a pretty popular title, it seems, but this one by 2 cardiologists, Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. and James C. Roberts, M.D.).

I will get into more info from this book as I read on but so far I'm liking their attitude about not just focussing on cholesterol levels as the devil most doctors make it out to be but realizing the other factors, including inflammation of the plaque that builds up and what to look for, if you're a woman, instead of the usual signs of heart problems or attacks that men have.

Did you know we have totally different signs?? Do you know them?

(1) Sudden, profound fatigue (2) Dull, aching chest discomfort (3) Dizziness and (4) Acute breathlessness

No shooting pain in the left arm and shoulder or pressure in the chest like a vise, like men have. We could have a heart attack and never know it. Seriously, have you ever had one or more of these symptoms and just said, "I'm overtired," and ignored it? I have. Don't we feel like most of these symptoms are common for us to experience on a weekly basis?

Did you know that taking CoQ10, a vitamin that is depleted by poor diet and aging, is a major chemical participant in cellular energy production and is critically important for strong pumping action of the heart. And it provides protection against arterial plaque formation. If nothing else, take your CoQ10 daily - 60-120 mg daily as a preventative if you have no heart issues. I have been taking 30 mg daily so am upping my dosage and will buy the gel tabs (the powdered kind doesn't digest and get into your system) at a stronger dosage next time so I don't have to take so many.

6 comments:

debwardart said...

Rhonda, thanks for the medical update - I'm worried about you! - but sounds like you are going to get to the bottom of your problems any way you can. Don't know much about the ATC cards, will have to investigate that now!
Wish I had known about Manifest Gallery yesterday - had an inquiry about drawing and I directed them to the Art Academy - maybe they will direct them up to Manifest.

Ginny Stiles said...

Levels of CoQ10 in the body can be increased by taking CoQ10 supplements, although it is not clear that replacing "low CoQ10" is beneficial.

CoQ10 has been used, recommended, or studied for numerous conditions, but remains controversial as a treatment in many areas. (Mayo Clinic)

I have never heard of CoQ10 but I plan to ask my doctor if she has ever seen any benefits. Apparently more studies are needed but it doesn't seem there are many bad side effects...that is good.
And if there is any evidence at all that it might help...hey! Thanks for the heads up on this.

RH Carpenter said...

Deb, you might enjoy the art cards - small and easy to do while just sitting and doing something else and you can do them anyway at all - paint, draw, pen and ink, collage, etc. Manifest is a great space and not downtown but I still only take the day classes (isn't that a sad statement about downtown Cincinnati?). I'll find out more all the time and question my doctor about supplements, etc.
Ginny, my cardiologist is on a committee studying CoQ10 right now - I'll let everyone know what they find out but remember, our docs are not taught to look at supplements and tell patients to take them = no profit for the drug companies and they always say no FDA testing (if you believe FDA testing isn't run through quickly and haphazardly, you haven't been watching all the drug deaths over "safe drugs" that were put on the market too soon and without adequate testing). I say, it's worth a try and may help...go for it. I was wrong about my pills - they are 50 mg so I'm taking 100 mg daily now. Linus Pauling also said Vitamin C is necessary for us to take as supplements - will have to check into that.

jgr said...

Hi Rhonda,
I appreciate all the heart info you shared. I'm keeping you in my prayers, too.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks so much, Jane. Prayers and good wishes are always welcome! I'm still in the "wait and see what's happening" stage so I'll know more before the end of the month. In the meantime, I am doing a lot of reading and checking things.

Cindi said...

rhonda.. thank you so much for the heart info... will be heading into the doc next week for my annual visit and definatly will dicuss your coQ10.. keeping informed is the best way to stay intouch with your own health...hoping youre feeling better and you get some answers soon.. another hug from cali