My transformation from a heart attack to better health.

On December 29, 2018, I became one of the 805,000 Americans who experience a heart attack each year. This event was a stark wake-up call, propelling me to overhaul my lifestyle and prioritize my health.

(Read more stats at the CDC.)

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Pre-Heart Attack Lifestyle

Before my heart attack, I believed I was healthy. I wasn’t overweight, had no major health diagnoses, and enjoyed life with my family. However, my habits told a different story:​

• Diet: I consumed whatever I desired, with a particular fondness for sugar.​

• Exercise: Physical activity was minimal, limited to daily routines.​

• Smoking: I was a regular smoker, unaware of the ticking time bomb inside me.​

The Heart Attack

The day after returning from a trip, I experienced alarming symptoms: profuse sweating, jaw pain, numbness in my left arm, and rapid breathing. I had one quick sharp pain in my chest that felt like what I’d imagine if someone had stabbed me with a knife. I talked to my dad, and he made me call 911. At the hospital, elevated troponin levels confirmed a heart attack at 43. A stent was placed, and I faced a pivotal choice: continue my current now obvious unhealthy path or commit to a healthier lifestyle.​

Lifestyle Overhaul

Determined to reclaim my health, I embarked on a comprehensive lifestyle transformation:

• Quitting Smoking: Ceasing smoking was challenging but essential.​

• Dietary Changes: I navigated various diets—Vegetarian, KETO, Paleo, Vegan, DASH, Mediterranean—each with its merits and contradictions. I distilled common principles: eliminating added sugars and refined grains, and focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods.​

• Exercise: I incorporated regular physical activity, enhancing my cardiovascular health and overall fitness.​

Sharing My Journey

Recognizing the prevalence of heart disease, I felt compelled to share my experiences. This platform serves as a repository of insights, strategies, and resources that aided my recovery. I aim to inspire and guide others facing similar health challenges.

Key Resources and Articles

• Understanding Cholesterol & Managing Cardiovascular Disease: The first thing people think about when they hear of a heart attack is cholesterol or vice versa. I’ve learned that it isn’t exactly that definitive of a cause/effect relationship. Oxidative Stress and Chronic Inflammation are at the root of it (and many other diseases.)

• Fighting Inflammation: Chronic inflammation contributes to numerous diseases. I explore natural methods to manage it by addressing root causes through diet and lifestyle. ​

• Health Achievements: Documenting my progress, I highlight milestones like medication reduction and improved health markers, demonstrating the body’s capacity to heal with proper care. ​

My journey underscores the transformative power of lifestyle changes. Through informed choices and dedication, it’s possible to overcome significant health setbacks and live a vibrant, fulfilling life much greater than I know was possible.

It sounds odd, but my heart attack gave me a better quality of life AND have been happier than ever! Be sure to check out my heart attack recovery story.