missionmightymom

Not all pretty girls are snobs. Not all that are overweight are lazy. Not all that are skinny are vain. Not all that wear a smile are happy. And just because someone seems to be the picture of health, doesn’t mean that they actually are.

Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

I am sharing the story of my recent health revelations not for sympathy and not to cause worry, because I am actually not worried at all. Maybe I should be, who knows. But what good would that do?! I am sharing my story with hopes of bringing awareness to a very serious disease. A disease that just so happens to be the #1 killer of all people over 25 years of age. A disease that will take the lives of 50% of all Americans. And a disease that is 100% treatable when detected early.

I paid yet another visit to my cardiologist yesterday to discuss the results of my recent Heart CT and Stress Test. My diagnosis is Coronary Artery Disease or CAD. WHAT?! There is no denying it. I saw the scans with my own eyes. My doctor reiterated the fact that is a genetic disease in my case with a 50% likelihood of passing it to each of my girls. He also reassured me that with the proper cocktail of medications I will continue to live an active life for another 60 years. Maybe that’s why I’m not worried. He continued to stress the importance of early detection saying “this is a disease that will catch up with you. It will kill you, unless you get hit by a bus first.” Thanks Doc!

The Stress Test revealed that one of the lobes in my heart may not be functioning properly. I was told that this test has about a 20% chance of a false positive (fingers crossed), but erring on the side of caution I will be wearing a heart monitor for three weeks to help determine what is causing the “electrical problem.” My doctor seems to think that this is caused by my Hoshimotos. He described it as a “quality of life problem” vs. the CAD which is a “quantity of life problem.” We will see…

The moral of this story is simple. Don’t take your health for granted. Don’t assume anything. Don’t be that 40 year old out shooting hoops with your kiddos who suddenly kills over of a heart attack. These things can be prevented. Take the time and have your cholesterol checked. It just might save your life.