I’ve lately had some fascinating medical take a look at outcomes. The primary was my yearly echocardiogram. I noticed my heart specialist right now and he confirmed that each one is properly, besides that some leaking across the edges of my substitute aortic valve, categorised as “delicate to average”. I first discovered about {that a} yr in the past, and my physician confirmed there may be nothing to be anxious about as a result of I’m asymptomatic and there’s no noticeable diastolic murmur. He confirmed this on the time by discussing it with my coronary heart surgeon. Regarding signs could be fluid retention or getting out of breath, or declining train capability, I’ve none of those. If the leaking does progress sufficient sooner or later, it could be essential to get surgical procedure to redo the valve substitute.

My heart specialist additionally went over my blood work. Again in August my ldl cholesterol was nice, complete 146, ldl (“dangerous”) 79, and hdl (“good”) 38. He was pleased with all of those, though the “good” might be just a little increased. However my triglycerides had been 203, and ought to be below 150. I mentioned that’s occurred to me prior to now, and I might clear it up with weight-reduction plan by consuming much less junky carbs like cookies, which I attempted for just a few months. My repeat take a look at final week got here out complete 174, ldl (“dangerous”) 107, and hdl (“good”) 47, however I bought 102 for my triglycerides. So, good job on the cookies, however ldl cholesterol just a little worse, though the “good” is healthier. He’s nonetheless not anxious, we’ll repeat in six months. I feel I can get the ldl cholesterol higher by emphasizing extra complete meals plant based mostly consuming, and maintain the triglycerides down by avoiding junk. If not we could need to bump up my statin a bit.

My last current outcome was a mind mri. This was a follow-up on my current head harm by my GP. It got here out regular so far as the harm, excellent information. Nevertheless it confirmed some abnormalities: “Delicate cerebral atrophy and findings of persistent small vessel ischemic illness.” My heart specialist thought these had been regular age associated. I’ll see what my GP thinks after I see her monday. I think she could need a follow-up with a neurologist. As you may see in a hyperlink this could result in issues like stroke or dementia if it progresses. Prevention measures embody sustaining good physique weight and blood stress and exercising, which I’m already doing, and reducing ldl cholesterol. So that is another excuse to work on doing a greater job on that.