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Thanks for the welcome. I weighed in after two weeks on the DASH diet and I lost 5 pounds.

Edited by: ONTRAC56 at: 5/20/2019 (18:26)

welcome to the team Tracey we are a small group but are usually here daily motivating each other glad you are doing so well , stop by the forums and visit with us if you like

Hello, My name is Tracey. I recently went to the Doctor and learned my blood pressure is at the pre hypretension level. It SPARKED me to get my blood pressure down. I have been doing very well on the DASH Diet and feeling motivated. I feel confident I will be able to lose weight.

we are a small group but very encouraging please join us in the forums and let me or the group know of any concerns you have , we work hard to do the best we can within our limits, welcome cherie Joanne

Hi I am Cherie and I am in Wisconsin,

I stopped by today because I was at the ER with phenomena today and as I was reading over my discharge paper work I noticed that I was diagnosed with moderate left ventricular dilation. I am not too surprised but I can't believe they didn't mention it, just let me read it.
Anyway, I knew I had health issues and I knew things would have to change so here I am!
I have been on Spark off and on for years and I love the people I meet here! I hope to find and give encouragement by joining your team!

Thanks Alexsgirl!

to the team annette

Hi everyone! I introduced myself on two other threads, so I won't be so lengthy here. In the "What do you do for exercise?" I went into detail with my weight loss history, especially regarding exercise. I also explained, in some detail, in the thread about what I've done that's good for my heart.

I was recently diagnosed with a heart murmur that's apparently caused by a leaky aortic valve. My father had the same thing. We were both born with it, but it took awhile to show up. He was 79 when his surfaced, and he had immediate heart surgery. I am only 56. The cardiologist said it doesn't sound too bad yet, and that it may take 5-10 years before I need surgery. I'm hoping that by then the new method of replacing heart valves will be so common that my insurance won't refuse.

I've lost 120 pounds and maintained it for 2 years. I was really hoping to ward off (delay) anything like this until I was much older. So, I'm a little disappointed. Also, I'm to have an echocardiogram next week followed by a leg vein ultrasound next month. I may need something done with that sooner than the valve surgery. In fact, he said that could delay the need for a valve replacement. I'm such a carbon copy of my dad. He's gone now, but I miss him and wish I could talk to him about it. Still, he'd be devastated to know he passed it on to me. If I had to inherit one of my parents' heart problems, it's better I inherited his instead of my mother's. Hers was only treatable; his was fixable. Mine is too.

I intended to keep this shorter, but it is slightly different than the other two. Have a heart-healthy week everyone!

Thanks Linda and Alexsgirl for the welcome! I have explored the team and am really happy to have found you! Folks seem very nice and helpful here! Linda -- my husband had a stent placed last September. It's great to hear that you're doing well with yours! I'm so sorry to hear about your peripheral neuropathy -- that's awful. Your farm/ farmer's market work must be so fulfilling!

Alexsgirl: I will definitely take you up on the offer to email if I have questions. I'm more worried about finding out next month that my heart has gotten worse (my LV EF was 16% in December) than the actual procedure of getting a pacemaker, although I'm a bit worried about that too! I'm sorry to hear that your little girl has heart problems.

We've warned our kids that they have a double whammy in bad genes: my husband and his clogged artery -- and me and my CHF. Only our middle child (18 years) seems to be listening. He's become a gym rat and has shunned soda. It's a start.

Thanks again for the welcomes! I consider myself a bit of a newbie when it comes to heart issues but will be happy to contribute to others' questions where I can be of help.

Have a great day!

Welcome Caroline. This is an encouraging team - small but caring and so helpful with the every day things of living with that daily awareness of our hearts.
My stents were May 23, 2014 and have done well with them - still on meds for life but weight and blood pressure are the best since children born 36 and 37 years ago!!!! Slow but sure wins this race. I since then had lower back reconstruct surgery and have peripheral neuropathy with not much balance and altered to no feeling below my knees. at 68 I m thankful for each carefully paced day of faith and working to the best of ability with hubby that grows huge garden and supplies 3 Farmer's Markets per week June through September. Looking forward to getting to know you.

hi welcome to the team i have a pacemaker it is a life saver and after a short adjustment does not hold me back you can message me with any questions or concerns.my daughter got her pacemaker at the age of 4. had a hard time losing when i went into menopause now that i am sleeping better and less hot flashes it is easier to lose again, Good luck will say a prayer for you.

Edited by: ALEXSGIRL1 at: 8/13/2017 (20:24)

Hi -- My name is Caroline. I'm 47 years old and have been on and off of SparkPeople for many years. Like Joan mentioned below, I was always putting my family first. That's caught up with me. In December 2016, through a routine physical and then a horrid stress test, I was diagnosed with left-ventricle heart failure, an over-enlarged left ventricle and atrium, and a left branch bundle block, an electrical issue. Have had an exploratory cath (no clogs) and a heart MRI. No cholesterol issues or high blood pressure. Totally crappy genes. I'm on 4 different medications, trying to add about 15-20 min. of cardio at least 4 times per week, and trying unsuccessfully to lose weight. I'm back on SparkPeople and more motivated than ever. I go back next month for new imaging and the decision about a pacemaker.

Welcome JOAN!!! Glad you came to join our little group

I got my stents May 2014 and will be getting a stress test on Monday the 7th to check up on heart functioning - not expecting any problems but always the possiblility. I am most nervous about not having my meds that morning - I always am aware of my heart beats and some tightening if I am late or "Forget to take them" Am slowly losing and maintaining with long plateaus in my weight loss efforts. Hope you share and ask questions if we cn encourage in any way. Linda, 68, in Washington State

hi joan welcome to the team stop by anytime we would love to hear from you and your journey, if we could help in any way let us know

Hi all! I'm Joan & I got a stent, a lot of "rest", loads of meds & I am really serious about my health this time. Up till last week I was more worried about every one elses health & needs. I've been around Spark for a while & lost small amounts of weight, it was not enough & there were too many times when I just took the easier way & skipped healthy choices & grabbed wharever was close by, skipped exercise because some one else needed something. A few day in hospital Coronary observation & a heart cath. will get my attention. I may not post often but I am here

Bobbie Jean ... welcome with a clean slate. So thankful for your decision to take good care of you - hope we can encourage nd walk beside you ... share your diet plan successes and frustrations and see if we can offer any new ideas or things that work for us. The exercise part is hard for me but step counting is high on my priority list - I have to move it or lose my mobility and freedoms. Drop by my page and get acquainted. Hugs!

you will do it this time we can help stop and visit the team forums and join the discussion we try to motivate each other Hugs

I'm Bobbie Jean and I'm not new. I've just been absent. But I'm back and hopefully for good. I had a double bypass 6 years ago and regained all my bad habits over the years. At my most recent medical check up, my doctor told me that I'm doing very well despite being about 50 lbs over weight and totally inactive. He also said that around 6 years out there is a higher possibility of the artery becoming blocked again. So, I decided that it's time to stop playing around with the weight and make an effort. Make an effort to do the work to get my weight down and manage my health better, For as long as I've been a member, I could have lost this weight over and over. But, I'm starting back with a clean slate and I will be successful this time around.

to the team Linda you have come so far and made some great progress . Keep up the great work. Always concentrate on what you do right make small steps .

68 years old, got two stents fitted on 5\23\14 so nearing my three year anniversary. Have been told I have a "sloppy valve and early congestive heart failure"; cholesterols are in upper limits with high triglycerides, horrible family history and determined to maintain as good of health as possible - fight daily to get weight down, eat healthy and starting last month tackled the ANTI_INFLAMMATION diet /lifestyle. I am already gluten free for celiac and have gotten 80% compliant on the sugar free efforts and started Dairy free in mid April - still struggling with that one but gradually decreasing cravings. Working hardest on mobility and balance issues with physical therapy due to neuropathy and osteoarthritis and back/spinal reconstruct for severe spinal stenosis 12\2015. Looking forward to healthier living and maintaining the efforts accomplished thus far.

Hi mary ann welcome to the team we are a small team but we are mighty. we are all about the celebrating the things we can do however small and we dont dwell on what we cant do. Bonnie and i are on the forums everyday stop buy to chat with us any time if there is anything we can do for you let us know

My name is Mary Ann and am 71 until next week.A week ago I had an episode of my legs swelling from about my knees to my toes. My left legs was worse than my right. It was swelled so much it hurt and I gained 8 pounds in about 2-3 days. I have now been diagnosed congestive heart failure. I have had high blood pressure since my late 20's. It runs in my family

I have osteoarthritis which I have had since I was in my 20's. I have elevated cholesterol but my doctor took me off my meds a few years ago because of elevated Liver enzymes. He tried me on Niacin and that was horrible.

In 2007 I developed a rare disease "Sweet's Syndrome" which affected a lot of systems in my body. I see my Internist a minimum of every 3 months if I am stable

Last February I started using a cPAP. Then my osteopenia I've had for years became osteoporosis and I get a shot every 6 months as well as take my supplements. Then I was diagnosed with pernicious anemia. For a month I got a shot of B12. weekly and now I take it monthly. I have to the rest of my life. My body does not process oral B12. I am lacking something. I have had anemia for years but it never should what type until last year.

I am mostly retired but cover Diagnostic Ultrasound. There are only a few exams that are emergency. The last 2 night I got called in a 2am (my boss told me that was supposed to be scheduled) and then last light was another at 4 am that didn't meet criteria. Mostly I just am on emergency call. I had to retire from full time Radiology-Ultrasound in 2008 when I was off 13 weeks and when I tried to go back fulltime I ended up in hospital with pneumonia.

When I was 68 I learned to ride a motorcycle, My husband and I are members of CMA (Christian Motorcyclist Association.) and also another motorcyclist group ABATE. We are are both in a Spanish Class for seniors with a private teacher. There are 7 of us in class. We have been together a few years there were more in the class. We are also involved in things at church. I also volunteer in our Hospital Auxiliary gift shop.

I intend to get my strength back up. My husband has a lot of medical issue also the main thing is the pain in his back, he can't surgery that would help because of his stage of renal failure.He also has Atrial Fib

I really hope I can fit in.

Edited by: MAZACK at: 8/4/2016 (15:50)

hi chrisin welcome to the team, this team is all about the positive and doing what we can not worrying about what we cant do. we love to support each other , and help in any way. Bonnie and i are the most active members , and are here every day ,

Good to meet you. I look forward to learning more about the team members
Sorry to hear of your DH heart surgery and your stress related problems Kathy.
I hope that you will both soon be feeling stronger and will enjoy good health. You are right to accept this as a wake up call, finding a positive within the negative.
I have just been diagnosed with angina and have been referred for tests so I too am taking it as "a warning shot across the bows" and am determined never to cheat on my exercise/eating plan again.

hi Kathy welcome to the team i hope you and your husband are on the way to feeling better . please stop by the boards anytime . we are usually here everyday , we cheer each other on . do what we can . forget what we cant. there is so much insight and info here and support ,

Hi my name is Kathy and I did not have a heart attack but my husband did 3 weeks ago. He had double bypass 2 weeks ago. It was the furthest thing from our mind. I was the one experiencing chest pains and having all of the tests and all they could tell me is it was stress. My husband on the other had had chest pressure and shortness of breath. After a CT angiogram where they found he had a heart anomaly. He was a walking time bomb, We are both over weight and out of shape. The wake up call we both received has put us on the straight and narrow. I have been a sparkpeople member for many years and I always started and then found a reason to stop. Now I have the reason to not stop for myself and for my husband.

way to go Bobbie and welcome to the team I hope you join us in the chat forums we are a small group but love to cheer each other on.

My name is Bobbie and I'm back, giving it another shot. I had a double bypass May 2011. My weight came down after surgery, but now it's back up. I've started then stopped a healthy eating program several times, but this time, I want to do it right. I'm proud to say that I have continued cardiac rehab after monitoring. Admittedly, I had a period where I sat on the couch but I'm back at it. Exercise is just part of the process; I'm now determined to make eating properly and exercising my lifestyle.

hi welcome to the team let us know your name my name is Joanne and I am team leader and usually Bonnie and Elise post every day we would love to have you join us ,

New to this team but started sparking again in May. I have CAD and had a blocked artery fixed a few years ago. Working to get back on the right track with exercising and eating right.

welcome to the team so glad you finally got help so very sorry it took so long . please stop by often we would love to get to know you hugs

Hello, I'm not new to Sparks, I am to this team...
I did not have a heart attack but with much persistence on my part, finally
got a doctor to listen to my symptoms I was experiencing that took 9 months.
Found I had 3 blocked arteries in my heart...was told I was a walking time bomb.
I now have stents.

cynmatt welcome to the team . I am glad you understand this isn't a joke but unfortunately you may not be able to turn your mother in law around. . My husband smokes and has circulation issues in his legs , his doctor and me both told him to stop but he wont even though his dad died of lung cancer and his mom has high blood pressure issue like him also, I hope you stick around here we have some great people who give awesome support hugs

Hello! I'm 32 and had a heart attack 5 days after giving birth to my third child. They believe a clot went to my heart. With this they discovered 30-40% blockages. I've lost 50lbs since and keep working each day. I have lots of support in my family excpet my mother in law who at every turn tries to destroy the work I have down and my healthy lifestyle. How do I make her understand this isn't a joke. (She is over weight and not willing to do the work to be healthy).

reply hi janet and welcome to the team

Hi,

I am new to this board and just looking for more support in a healthier ME... Right now I am eating mostly GF. I do have arthritis and eating GF helps the pain in my fingers. Eating GF also helps to lower inflammation in our bodies so it has also put my blood pressure back in the normal range for me...

My Mom dies from a heart attack, so I thought often think about that...

In advance thanks for letting me hang out here for just good healthy info!
Janet

celeste stop by the team often we are glad to have you hugs

Hello. I'm celeste and I was in your team years ago. I am very sick with a pretty bad heart. I look forward to meet interesting people with heart related issues and how I can get healthier with you guys and gals. Have a great night.

Thanks

to the team Francine so sorry for your set backs just keep moving forward as best as you can hugs

I have been a member of Spark for a few years mind you I am not as active during the summer but more so in the winter. I had a triple bypass in January. I was doing really well until some of my other problems started giving me trouble.

I have to lose a considerable amount of weight and I have had trouble eating certain things after my surgery. I have been to cardiac rehab programs and exercises until I had a little hiccup with my heart a few weeks ago and had to go to emerg. I was advised to stop any strenuous exercises until I see my cardiologist. This week I have finally got some energy back. I love to play in my flower garden but find I have to pace myself.
Thank you Alexgirll for the welcome goodie. Every one have a heart healthy week.
Florence

hello and welcome you will find a myriad of ideas and recipes here all free . if you need more help let one of us know we have a great team of helpers here

Welcome! Sparkspeople have some really surprisingly delicious recipes. I wish you the best of luck in your search for good health

Hi, i joined Sparks People, with the help of my wife. I want to get my Highblood presure numbers on track, and lose this WEIGHT!. Here to find food ideas and exercise so here I am and hello to everyone

Thanks for the warm welcomes.

I've been away from SparkPeople for a few weeks during the holidays and extend a hearty

to new team members! I wish you success on your healthy lifestyle journey.

I'm also a member of the Lowering Salt Intake team. I think active team members are few, but there are links, ideas, info, advice that have been posted that helped me when I first joined. Also, SparkPeople nutrition tracker can track additional nutrients such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and more. If you have questions about how to use the tracker, we can help.

Congratulations on joining SparkPeople. It's a great resource.

hi jon I like that getting to do it you have awesome attitude welcome and much love on the journey

Welcome Jon. What a great way to look at things! This journey is really an adventure after all.

Hi! My name is Jon and I am 58 years old. Nine months ago I was diagnosed with AFIB and CHF. My doctors have told me I need to lose eighty pounds. I find it hard to do with the medications I am presently taking. After many months of rest and medication, my heart has improved from working at 30% to almost 70% and I have been given permission to start doing light workouts at the gym. I have lost 12 pounds and have already started doing light workouts. I am looking forward to my journey.

There are two ways of looking at things in life. You can either HAVE to do it or GET to do it. Getting to do it is always easier and much more fun.

No, the doc never put me on any kind of diet, although, I know it is important to keep your fat near the low end of your range and carbs also. I don't have high blood pressure so I don't think salt is an issue with me.

Pam does your doctor have you on a salt restricted diet? Chef Meg here at SP has lots of great tasting recipes that have little salt. I have to watch the sodium in my foods to prevent edema in my feet and legs so I love her recipes!

pam welcome to the team spark people has a lot of info on heart disease and help with if you look around I also learn a lot from team members .

Hi Pam and welcome! This is a great team and a good place to find support for eating healthy as well as making good lifestyle changes for your heart. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better!
Bonnie

Hi, I'm Pam. I am 56 years old and have 40% blockage in my left carotid artery. The only medication I take is Armour Thyroid, and none for cardiovascular disease. My cholesterol is slightly elevated, with the LDL being higher than it should be and the good cholesterol a little lower than the range. My goal is to get more cardiovascular exercise to get my cholesterol in range, and my blood pressure is normal. I'm hoping to be get tips for controlling cardiovascular disease so as not to go on medicine.

Bonnie - I too went thru trips to emerg and them finding nothing wrong until I was finally admitted and they did an angiogram. In my case, it showed I have Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Congestive Heart Failure. It has meant huge changes in my physical abilities, and life changes. I'm glad you had someone in your corner who didn't give up! Good luck on your journey.

Hi, I'm Bonnie and I've been on this team for a while now. I just realized I hadn't properly introduced myself. I'm 61 and had my first heart attack at age 49. I didn't have symptoms then, but the doctor found it when he did an EKG. He told me there was such a thing as a silent heart attack. For years I pretended it never happened, even though he put me on blood pressure meds to prevent a recurrence.

But then this year I started having chest pains and shortness of breath in April. I went to the ER and they didn't find anything. All the tests came back normal. Ten days later I was there again for the same symptoms. This time my regular cardiologist had them keep me overnight and ordered several tests including a nuclear stress test. Again all the tests came back negative except for some S-T segment elevations on the second half of the stress test so he sent me for a catheterization. The cath showed that my arteries were clear with no blockages or coronary artery disease but when he injected the dye, one of my arteries spasmed badly.

I was diagnosed with Prinzmetals angina after the cath in May and they are still considering the possibility of coronary microvascular disease.. Fortunately, these things can be managed with meds like calcium channel blockers and nitro, as well as lifestyle changes. I started restricting sodium and counting calories back in February before all this started and have lost about 55 pounds so far. I would feel pretty good now if only these nasty spasms would stop! It does hinder me from exercising at times.

Take AlexGirls advice. You don't want another heart attack. Welcome to the team

hi lauri welcome to the team follow your new doctors recommendations on exercise and eating healthy . there is a lot of good advice on this site that will help also.

Hi, my name is Lauri and I am just finding out about the condition of my heart. I'm soon to be 59, years past menopause, and just had a 'stress test' this last Friday. I have been very sedentary for the last several years and had gone to my doctor to get checked before starting to play pickleball (sort of a cross between racketball and badmitton). He ran a brief EKG and said it looked like I had already had a heart attack. Am now working on building up the strength of my heart on the treadmill through interval cardio while waiting for the results of my test.

thanks lin there are so many reasons people have heart conditions just thought we could learn from each other and our struggles thanks for taking the time to post

Hi Joanne - I didn't realize you were a team leader here - I never think to look to the right where they are listed. I too have a pacemaker. Mine also has a defibrillator attached.,

Hi My names Joanne I have a pacemaker and am your team leader but this is our team so stop by say hi and let us know a little about you and your struggle with heart health