2019 – 70 – heart
Heart: Have a…
Hello friend,
That was quick. I’ve got the cardiologist’s letter:
“… at the MYHT Cardiac MDT… All members of the MDT concluded that it is inappropriate to proceed with angiography for limiting angina without first commencing anti-anginal treatment. The small risk of complications from coronary angiography cannot be justified… Stable angina does not carry an increased mortality rate…”
This guy still does not get it – quality of life over longevity. If stable angina does not shorten life that could mean another 20-30 years, or more, of this painful condition. The only way for me to avoid angina is to only do activity which keeps my heart rate under 120bpm – I’m only 51 and he’s suggesting that I live my life like someone who’s 20 or 30 years older.
I have been getting a couple of medical referral gym sessions. I used to be able to do a 5,000 metre row in just under 20 minutes. I cannot do it much under 27 minutes without triggering really painful angina; although, I have been pushing myself beyond what my body is telling me is okay – my last row was 23’38” (it was awful!). It’s not just the frustration knowing I can do no more – it’s the psychological effect it has: stress: anxiety; low mood. I’m not rowing any more until I get it sorted out.
My plan is to use the ‘fat burn’ program on the bike. This way I can keep my heart at 65% of max (112bpm) as the bike adjusts the resistance to keep you at the target heart rate. When I’m ready, I can slowly increase the target heart rate every session, or so. I’m also going to get stricter with diet, relaxation and try to get back into yoga. I’m also following a body-weight program in my cell – oh, and more sleep – lots more sleep.
In the meantime, I’m going to do more research on what this cardiologist is claiming about mortality and risk; I may have to deal with this through legal avenues.
Be happy, be safe and be kind.
Graham Coutts, 16th November 2019